DAY 12

MIGHTY REDEEMER

“Child in the Manger” is an old English carol set to the Gaelic tune Bunessan.  If you are not familiar with this carol, you may be acquainted with the tune through the hymn, “Morning has Broken.”

The second verse states,

Once the most holy Child of salvation
Gently and lowly lived low
Now as our glorious Mighty Redeemer
See Him victorious over each foe

When we speak of the birth and life of Jesus our Savior, words like “gently” and “lowly” are used to describe the way that he lived his life.  Now Jesus has become for us our Might Redeemer.  The carol admonishes us to “see Him victorious over each foe.

In Philippians 2 6-11, Paul records for us what many call the Christ hymn, because it speaks beautifully about the glory he left to live a life of service among his lost children.  These verses speak about his absolute obedience to the Father also and the result of that obedience.  In verses 9-11 it declares,  “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of bod the Father.”

Jesus came from glory and was born lowly.  He lived a life of obedience to his Father and service to man.  He was crucified in shame but was raised victoriously.  Now Jesus reigns as our Might Redeemer.

In this Advent season, remember that Christ did not stay a little child but has become for us our Might Redeemer.

CHILD IN THE MANGER

Child in the manger, infant of Mary
Outcast and stranger, Lord of us all
Child who inherits all our transgressions
All our demerits upon Him fall

Once the most holy Child of salvation
Gently and lowly lived low
Now as our glorious Mighty Redeemer
See Him victorious over each foe

Prophets foretold Him, infant of wonder
Angels behold Him on His throne
Worthy our Savior of all their praises
Happy forever are His own