“He (the Messiah–Jesus) grew up before him like “tender shoot” (young plant), and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him… He was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows…” Isa. 53:1–4
Lord Jesus, Isaiah’s prophecy of your incarnation makes singing “O, Holy Night,” most appropriate in this moment. His imagery makes your manger seems like a “garden of grace.” Though you created the world, you are the “tender shoot” of Isaiah’s vision—the “root” our Father planted in the arid, angry soil of our world. And what a price you paid.
You created beauty, yet you became the one with “no beauty.” You took the ugliness of our sin, that we might become pure and beautiful in you. You became the despised, non-esteemed one, that we enjoy our Father’s welcome and live as the children of his delight.
You are the fountain of pleasures, your laughter fills heaven, and your joy is now our strength. Yet, you became the man of great sorrows and inconsolable suffering… all for us.
In taking up your cross, you took up our infirmities, grief, sin, and sorrows. You bore our guilt and exhausted our judgment. Your once-and-for-all affliction has placed us in our Father’s eternal, unwavering affection.
Jesus, Oh, to esteem and love you as you deserve. By your Spirit, let it be. May your tenderness grow in our hearts, and your compassion and kindness overflow to our families, friends, and neighbors. So Very Amen.