“Glory to God in the Lowest” – SCN Encourager

How’s that for a provocative headline?

Don’t get upset with me.

Screen Shot 2015-12-22 at 4.30.56 PMI didn’t come up with it.

G.K. Chesterton did.

(Back in 1894, if fact.)

It was a simple line in his poem, Gloria in Profundis.

And in his typical paradoxical style, Chesterton modified something very well known – just one word – in order to draw attention to a point he felt worth making.

He didn’t want us to go waltzing through the holidays without remembering that the very first Christmas wasn’t a colorful, wildly popular, socially-trending soiree, but rather a simple one-of-a-kind happening that took place in a cold and dirty setting.

Screen Shot 2015-12-22 at 5.12.15 PMThe double-take sparked by his line “Glory to God in the Lowest” still does the trick, don’tcha think?

Chesterton expressed that there is a seriousness about Christmas that makes it fun for all who open to catching its spirit.

And he modeled this in real-life with a sharp wit, unwavering good cheer, and a warm heart for all walks of humanity.

But he was rare in the way he could capture both sides of an equation in a single sentence.

“Christmas is built upon a beautiful and intentional paradox; that the birth of the homeless should be celebrated in every home.”

Whoa.

That’s worth reading again.

There’s a poke in the ribs for you…

er, for me, I mean.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

4324

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.