O source of all good,
What shall I render thee for the gift of gifts, thine own dear Son, begotten, not created, my Redeemer, proxy, surety, substitute, his self-emptying incomprehensible, his infinity of love beyond the heart's grasp.
Herein is wonder of wonders: he came below to raise me above, was born like me that I might become like him.
Herein is love; when I cannot rise to him he draws near on wings of grace, to raise me to himself.
Herein is power; when Deity and humanity were infinitely apart he united them in indissoluble unity, the uncreated and the created.
Herein is wisdom; when I was undone, with no will to return to him, and no intellect to devise recovery, he came, God-incarnate, to save me to the uttermost, as man to die my death, to shed satisfying blood on my behalf, to work our a perfect righteousness for me.
O God, take me in spirit to the watchful shepherds, and enlarge my mind; let me hear good tidings of great joy, and hearing, believe, rejoice, praise, adore, my conscience bathed in an ocean of repose, my eyes uplifted to a reconciled Father; place me with ox, ass, camel, goat, to look with them upon my Redeemer's face, and in him account myself delivered from sin; let me with Simeon clasp the new-born child to my heart, embrace him with undying faith, exulting that he is mine and I am his.
In him thou hast given me so much that heaven can give no more.
-The Valley of Vision
"Herein is wonder of wonders: he came below to raise me above, was born like me that I might become like him." These words make me swell with awe. Jesus. The gift of all gifts. The one whose coming we recently celebrated and at the same time, we continue anticipating his next appearance. He is a wondrous gift. So full of love, power, wisdom - I feel a bit dumbstruck trying to respond to such words of praise for him.
It is with these kind of prayers that I find myself so thankful for those who went before us and sought the presence of God. In days when I lack words, I find recognition of heart in these prayers. I am quieted. I am drawn to the character of God. Today has felt full and good. In still moments, in long conversations with Reed, and in written words, there has been consistent knowledge of God's presence. It has been a simple day, but one where I feel very loved. The words of this Puritan prayer give voice to my feelings, and I am thankful for the gift of Jesus.
Let this sense of awe and humility carry through the next days. Let me be like the shepherds, the animals, the visitors - let me know I am his and that he has come because he loves me. You brought together Deity and humanity, as this prayer states. This is difficult for me to fully understand, and yet, I love the picture this portrays of your power. You are able to do anything. And still, in being that kind of God, you love and give with such incomprehensible earnestness. You lead us well, our Master and Friend.
Grow my image of you, Father God. Let me continue to see you as one of wonder and power. Let me be led by your Spirit towards living a life of love that reflects you. And let me come to the place where you, the gift of all gifts, are completely enough.
We love you and need you, Jesus. Enlarge our minds; make us humble and hungry. Thank you for the gift of your son, Father. Thank you for this wonder of wonders - that you loved us enough to come dwell with us.
Amen.