On the first Sunday in December, I had the opportunity to help lead worship at my local church. We shared some well-known Christmas carols including Joy to the World, What Child is This?, and Go Tell It on the Mountain. We also sang some other songs, including Meekness and Majesty by Graham Kendrick. As we were singing, I thought it fitting that we sang this song the same day we sang Christmas carols. Although Meekness and Majesty was not intended to be a Christmas song, it definitely captures the mystery and wonder of Christ coming to earth to be our Saviour.
Meekness And Majesty (This is your God)
Meekness and majesty,
Manhood and Deity,
In perfect harmony,
The Man who is God.
Lord of eternity
Dwells in humanity,
Kneels in humility
And washes our feet.
O what a mystery,
Meekness and majesty.
Bow down and worship
For this is your God,
This is your God.
Father's pure radiance,
Perfect in innocence,
Yet learns obedience
To death on a cross.
Suffering to give us life,
Conquering through sacrifice,
And as they crucify
Prays: 'Father forgive.'
Wisdom unsearchable,
God the invisible,
Love indestructible
In frailty appears.
Lord of infinity,
Stooping so tenderly,
Lifts our humanity
To the heights of His throne.
Graham Kendrick
Copyright © 1986 Thankyou Music
According to Graham Kendrick, he wrote this song to be used as the theme song for the 1986 UK Christian Conference, Spring Harvest. The song has touched the hearts of many people over the years, becoming one of Graham Kendrick's most well-known, and most often recorded compositions.
"I was listening to our senior pastor teaching a theology of the Trinity, with his characteristic mix of scholarship and passion for knowing God. There was a moment when he was opening up an aspect of God's Triune nature, and it seemed as if the presence of God filled the room. It was a holy moment as if God turned up to say: ' Yes, this is who I am'. It strengthened my conviction that we need more of the revelation that flows from teaching the Word of God in our worship, and that our worship will rise in proportion to it."
- Graham Kendrick
I appreciate how Graham Kendrick contrasts Jesus, the Son of God, with the characteristics He took on as Jesus, the son of man:
Son of God Son of Man
Majesty Meekness
Reflects God the Father Innocent, pure
Wise Learns obedience through suffering
Invisible Dies on the cross
Loving The perfect sacrifice
Infinite Offers forgiveness
Unapproachable Invites us into His presence
Biblical truths taught in this song can be found in:
- Ephesians 3:14-21
- Philippians 2:5-11
- Colossians 1:15-23
- Revelation 5.
David Crawley shares some interesting thoughts about the different versions of the Christmas story shared in the Gospels of Matthew (majesty) and Luke (meekness):
"Matthew introduces his subject as "the birth of Jesus the Messiah." This child is to be Saviour, Emmanuel, "God with us", "king of the Jews" and "ruler". Magi from foreign lands come to pay homage. They visit Mary and Jesus in a house and offer precious gifts.1
On the other hand, Luke underlines the lowly circumstances of Jesus' entry to the world. He tells us of there being "no room in the inn" and the need to improvise hastily with "bands of cloth" and the animals' manger when the birth occurs. Jesus is visited by peasant shepherds rather than lordly magi.2 In the Magnificat, Mary acknowledges her "lowliness" and anticipates that through this birth God will lift up the lowly and bring down the powerful from their thrones.3"
We are all born with these two questions driving us to look for answers:
- Am I worthy?
- Am I loved?
Because of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are worthy and we are loved! What Christmas carols help you celebrate this wonderful gift?
Merry Christmas to one and all.
I hadn't seen how the two gospels bring out two themes of Jesus' birth. Interesting! Merry Christmas Ruth!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lynn :)
DeleteIt's interesting how the personality and culture of the writers comes through! Merry Christmas to you too.
Thanks for sharing this meaningful song. I also really like the nativity picture you used!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Tracy :)
DeleteI took the nativity picture last year near St. Paul, Alberta. There's a fellow that has his whole yard full of scenes...this was one of many.