How silently, how silently, The wondrous gift is given; So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven. No ear may hear his coming, But in this world of sin, Where meekness will receive him, still The dear Christ enters in.
(Phillips Brooks, Christian Science Hymnal, No. 222)
THIS BELOVED CHRISTMAS CAROL, "O little town of Bethlehem," speaks in the last verse of God's "wondrous gift." At Jesus' birth, angels announced this gift to the shepherds. What is this precious gift given to humanity? It is the continuous outpouring of infinite, unconditional love from God, who created all of us to express His glory and majesty—to be His own sons and daughters. This Christmas season is a reminder of the relationship each of us has with God, our divine Parent, and which was so beautifully exemplified in the life of Christ Jesus.
