“Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head” (Matt 8:20). Very rarely do we read of Christ’s rest in the Gospels. Often he spent nights in prayer (Luke 6:12). Yet, true God and true man, he needed his sleep. Surely, he rested in the Virgin’s arms as they fled from Herod. He rested on the boat in the storm (Mark 4:35-41). And from the cross to the tomb, Jesus slept in death.
Christ was born to save. In his resting and in his rising, he saves. As we hurriedly prepare for the joys of Christmas, take a moment to rest with Jesus and, when he takes his place in the creche, let him rest on your heart as you sing your own lullaby. May this humble attempt inspire your own Christmas prayer.
A Lullaby for our Savior
Amid the hay and lowing kine,
Lay down your head awhile;
In Virgin’s arms, O Love Divine,
Now slumber, little child.
How long the prophets longed to see—
And regents to behold—
Your saving Face and majesty,
Of wonders still untold.
Lay down your head, sweet child-king,
And take your needed rest;
For in short time your very kin
Will put you to the test.
From Antipas and Caiaphas,
Who come to seek your life,
To Peter’s thrice-told cowardice
That left you to their strife.
From murd’rous sword, and tempest’s storm,
You’ll close your eyes in sleep;
And from the Cross by nails upborne,
You’ll comfort those who weep.
O sleep but let your heart awake;
Let not death have its day—
But in the midnight you forth break
The light of morn’s new ray.
Rest now before the coming years,
Before your Passiontide;
Remain with us through all our fears;
O Lord with us abide.
In blessed bosom gently lie—
As from the Father’s breast,
With Spirit blest, you rule and guide.
Your glory we confess!
✠
Carlo Maratta, The Holy Night (The Nativity)
