This coming Sunday our Advent series of messages on ‘The Hymns of Christmas’ will continue as we examine the words of the apostle Paul found in 2 Corinthians 8:9.

This one verse serves as the Biblical text for the beautiful hymn entitled ‘Thou Who Wast Rich Beyond All Splendor’ (#230 in the Trinity Hymnal). The hymn’s first line sets forth the true miracle of Christmas Day:

“Thou who wast rich beyond all splendor,
All for love’s sake becamest poor;
Thrones for a manger didst surrender,
Sapphire-paved courts for stable floor.
Thou who wast rich beyond all splendor,
All for love’s sake becomes poor.”

When Paul penned his second letter to the Christians in ancient Corinth, it was the miracle of the incarnation of our Lord that dominated his thoughts as he exhorted his fellow-believers to love one another by means of their lavish generosity.  The inspired words of verse 9 overwhelm any and all who prayerfully reflect upon their depth and meaning:

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich” (2 Cor 8:9).

As we gather before our Lord this Sunday, we will plunge ourselves into this great mystery–that the Lord of Glory impoverished Himself that we might inherit all of the vast riches of heaven!