“Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.” (Ephesians 5:14 NKJ)
In the mid 18th century, physician John Byrom’s daughter asked him to write her a poem as her Christmas present. On Christmas morning she awakened to find a poem entitled, Christians, Awake! lying on her breakfast plate. The poem had a total of six stanzas. I have included the first stanza here:
Christians, awake, salute the happy morn
Whereon the Savior of the world was born.
Rise to adore the mystery of love
Which hosts of angels chanted from above,
With them the joyful tidings first begun
Of God incarnate and the virgin’s Son.
I wonder why the girl asked for a poem for Christmas. How many times have you heard the question, “What do you want for Christmas?” Yet, no doubt, you didn’t ask for a poem. Perhaps Dr. Byrom taught his children to think of gifts more lasting than material things.
How valuable are the notes and mementos we share in meaningful relationships? Aren’t these more important than toys and candy? Poems and other special gifts can be reviewed regularly — enjoyed again and again — throughout the year.
The best gifts always share a part of ourselves with the recipient. We discover meaning in Dr. Byrom’s poem, and discover that his words are not simply about a Christmas awakening. Rather, we can share this meaning with those we love, on Christmas or any other day of the year. We can accept and share God’s love through Christ all year long.
Dear Father, thank you for the Savior of the world. Enable us to remember that the best gift is knowing the Christ of Christmas. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today and awake to Christmas,