Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice; give ye heed to what we say: Jesus Christ is born today; ox and ass before him bow, and he is in the manger now. Christ is born today! Christ is born today!

Happy Christmas! As Scrooge awoke on that Christmas morning with a renewed sense of the true purpose of life, we are also invited into a new way of being this day.

This 14th-century German folk-hymn is one that reminds us of the blessed news we receive on Christmas Day: Christ was born for this! That the whole world might know the love of God.

Just remember, while Christ’s gift may be everlasting in eternity, it is also meant to effect us here and now. As we are embraced into the everlasting haul, we are pushed to welcome others into the same tide. Into a world without fear. A world built upon a gospel of peace. A world where love is the power that reigns.

It is a new day, a new life this Christmas offers to us, so: Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice; now ye need not fear the grave; Jesus Christ was born to save. Calls you one and calls you all to gain the everlasting has. Christ was born to save! Christ was born to save!

Good Christian Friends, Rejoice