Remember, my dear, that at one time He was satisfied with a manger and with a cross. While on the cross He said to a miserable malefactor: "To-day shalt thou be with me in Paradise." And on another occasion He said to a woman taken in adultery: "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more!"
Fear not!
That was the first tone in the music from Heaven, and it was meant for you, also. Indeed, He will abide with you, too, when you will give Him room in your heart. Also you He will save into His heavenly realm. But, then tell me: Isn't there, even considering your wants and circumstances, every reason why you should sing a Christmas hymn with joy in your heart?
It was not levity that made the angels sing jubilantly that Christmas Eve: They had beheld that which had been prepared for mankind through the love of God our Father. Therefore, they could sing the jubilant songs.
So, try then to look beyond all the despair down here. Try to raise your eyes to the bright Heavens—to that which has been prepared for you through the love of God our Father. If it does happen, nevertheless, that once in a while you bend your head downward, then let the sigh soar upward—for it may thus happen that angels will visit you.
Therefore it shall be proclaimed loudly by the church of Jesus Christ—from the city on the mountain throughout all the lands of the earth—to all those who have room for Jesus: Fear not! It is never so dark in your life that there is no room for the joyful songs of Christmas!
3. Well-Springs of Joy
Well-springs of joy!
It does sound a bit strange that a babe on the knee of a virgin might be the well-spring of joy. Ordinarily, it is a well-spring of worry and tears when a virgin sits with her babe on her knee—worry and tears for herself and for those who are related to her. But here we behold a virgin who herself has sung the joyful hymn of praise because she had been found deserving of such grace.
Well-springs of joy it was to Mary and to the aged Elizabeth from the very beginning—and now the Christmas Angel announces that it is "for all the people."