I remember as a child watching "The Lone Ranger". I will never forget the phrase that got its popularity from this program: "Who is that masked man?" Of course, we all knew who it was -- it was obvious in all he said and did. The mask couldn't hide who he really was.

About 2000 years ago One was born that was "masked" as well. His mask was human flesh. But when looking at His life, all He said and did, the mask could never hide His identity. He was God in flesh!

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)

The writer of this hymn, J. Reading, did as the others; he wrote a song which contained the sound truth of the Gospel, proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord. Praise God for words which have survived the test of time and are still readily recognized today by people everywhere.

O Come All Ye Faithful

O come all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem

Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels,

Chorus: O come let us adore Him,

O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him,

Christ, the Lord!

True God of true God, Light from Light Eternal,

Lo, he shuns not the Virgin's womb;

Son of the Father, begotten, not created.

Chorus

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation;

Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!

Glory to God, all glory in the highest

Chorus

See how the shepherds, summoned to His cradle,

Leaving their flocks, draw nigh to gaze;

We too will thither bend our joyful footsteps

Chorus

Child, for us sinners poor and in the manger,

We would embrace Thee, with love and awe;

Who would not love Thee, loving us so dearly?

Chorus

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;

Jesus, to Thee be glory given;

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing.

Chorus

Do you know Who this "Masked Man" is? The One who was robed in flesh and dwelt among us? The One who took on the form of a man and became servant of all? Do you know Him? Do you REALLY know Him?

His name is Jesus, not only the "reason for the season", but the reason we have breath and life. "O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!"

Father, You are worthy of all our worship. As we sing the carols of the season, beckoning us to come and adore the "Reason" for the season, help us to always remember that it is that intimate and precious relationship with You that we value…far above gifts, beautiful lights, delicious food, and warm, friendly fellowship with family and loved ones. Father, use me as I lay my life before You once again in worship proclaiming "Christ, the Lord!" Amen!

© Jan Ross

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