Unto us a Child is Born

The awesome mystery of Christmas is contained in the dual nature of the infant Jesus: the knowledge of His almighty power, juxtaposed with the spectacle of His absolute vulnerability in the crib. At this season, we celebrate the birth of the Saviour. But we also ponder the helplessness of the newborn, and the gravity of responsibility that is placed on the shoulders of every parent. Whisked away by Mary and Joseph, Jesus escaped the horrific wrath of Herod: but many other children fell victim to the King’s insane jealousy.

In spirit, theology and secular tradition, this is the season of childhood and family. Dickens captured this in A Christmas Carol when Scrooge is shown the Cratchits’ meagre feast by the Ghost of Christmas Present. ‘God Bless us every one!’ cries Tiny Tim. ‘He sat very close to his father’s side, upon his little stool. Bob held his withered little hand in his, as if he loved the child and wished to keep him by his side, and dreaded that he might be taken from him.