Christmas 2025: December 16

On a July day in 1933, the American folk composer, John Jacob Niles found himself in a little town in North Carolina while traveling through the Appalachians. He was in a revival meeting when he heard a little girl singing. Niles described her as unbelievably dirty and unwashed, but naturally very pretty with an untrained, but pretty voice. Her family was extremely poor, and her tune was very simple, but Niles offered to pay her 25 cents for every time he asked her to sing it for him. After the girl sang the song eight times (and paying her $45 in today's money), all Niles was able to write down was the repeated refrain, "I wonder as I wander," and a few additional words. The whole song was only three lines long. Still, Niles believed that the song had potential as a Christmas carol that captured the simplicity of life in Appalachia, and he published the version we now know today by December of that year.

Plus, a fun fact - this happens to be our son Nick's favorite Christmas carol, and we often find him "wandering" outside, belting the song at the top of his lungs.

The song humbly reflects on the wonder of the Incarnation (called the "hypostatic union" in theological terms - referring to the mystery of the union between God and man in one essence or person). Beyond that, the song also reflects on the significance of the King of kings coming to die for His people, as the prophets foretold. But what does it mean to be a "King of kings?" That is answered, in part, in today's Scripture reading from Isaiah 42. 

As you read our passage for today, you'll notice that we are introduced to the Servant of the Lord - the One who will bring hope, justice, and light to the nations. These verses are an encouraging reminder that we do not have a vain, sentimental hope. Furthermore, it is not contingent on human will. Verse 1 is clear; this is a Divine initiative from beginning to end, and the verses that follow affirm promise after promise. In fact, it's a Trinitarian promise, too! This King will not be like other kings, and not merely because of the infinite superiority of His wisdom, power, and dominion. His tender care will be unlike any other. "A bruised reed He will not break, and a faintly burning wick He will not quench," and He will be the Spirit-anointed Redeemer of the nations. Even as the world rebels and the kings of the earth seek to overwhelm the righteous by force, the Servant's justice will prevail, and His salvation will illuminate the world.

Delight in Him and embrace His justice as you share His light to those who dwell in darkness!