Mary Had A Little Lamb

 

“Long ago, in a country far away, some shepherds watched their flocks during the night.” Often this line comes somewhere at the beginning of any children’s Christmas production given each year around the time the world has attributed December 25^th to Jesus’ birth date. But Jesus was probably born during the Spring of 4 B.C. because history records in that year the death of Herod the Great, the king who sought to kill Jesus (Matthew 2:13-20). So, where did that date come from? Well, somewhere in the sixth century, a monk named Dionysius Exiguus decided to develop a calendar (that led to the modern Gregorian calendar) for the Christian world by using the known date of the resurrection of Christ and he used the birth of Christ (a doctrine adopted in A.D. 336) as the dividing point of history, thus giving us “Before Christ” and Anno Domini, or “the year of the Lord.” It was a simple mistake in calculation by the monk of not paying close enough attention to secular historical facts – one that no one is going to mess with.

Well, as confusing as that could be, and I’m not sure I’ve got it completely correct, the “Christmas” holiday has become a bitter pill to swallow the older I get. Overheard in the store, “I just dread the Christmas season!” and “Why do people insist upon religion having to be a part of the “Holiday Season?” What? It’s hard to believe we’ve become so detached and commercialized that the reason for the season has been lost by many.

So, in the spirit of the “holiday” I’ll share a new twist on an old secular poem that might bring attention to the lost reason. “Mary Had a Little Lamb” by Marv and Marbeth Rosendahl.

Mary had the little Lamb, who lived before His birth; Self-existent Son of God, from Heaven He came to Earth. (Micah 5:2)

Mary had the little Lamb; see Him in yonder stall - Virgin-born Son of God, to save man from the Fall. (Isaiah 7:14)

Mary had the little Lamb, obedient Son of God; Everywhere the Father led, His feet were sure to trod. (John 6:38)

Mary had the little Lamb, crucified on the tree The rejected Son of God, He died to set men free. (1 Peter 1:18-19)

Mary had the little Lamb—men placed Him in the grave, Thinking they were done with Him; to death He was no slave! (Matthew 28:5-7)

Mary had the little Lamb, ascended now is He; All work on Earth is ended, our Advocate to be. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Mary had the little Lame—mystery to behold! From the Lamb of Calvary, a Lion will unfold. (Revelation 5: 5,6)

When the Day Star comes again, of this be very sure: It won’t be Lamb-like silence, but with the Lion’s roar. (Psalm 2:10-12; Revelation 19:11-16)

[Matthew 1:18-25] Our giving to others during this special time of year begins with Thanksgiving. Are we truly thankful for all God has given us? This country is the most blessed in the world, yet it has become increasingly troubled as it drifts away from the God of its blessings. Our giving to one another in peace and happiness reflects the gift given to mankind by God, that of His one and only Son, Jesus. It is through Jesus we are forgiven of our sins reconciling us and bringing peace between us and our God. Jesus is peace on earth and has brought good will to men. The Bible doesn’t tell us when Jesus was born, but we do know He was born. To be born of the spirit is now in your corner.