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"The Nativity"
rather shocking quote: GOOD TASTE IN MUSIC I naturally LOATHE nearly all hymns; the face and life of the charwoman in the next pew who revels in them, teach me that good taste in poetry or music are NOT necessary to salvation." -- C.S. Lewis, in LETTERS OF C.S. LEWIS, edited by W.H. Lewis, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich,1975 [Lewis is obviously referring to a certain kind of sentimental hymn that falls short of excellence when judged by literary and musical standards alone, but which somehow God uses to touch the heart of the worshipper. This certainly teaches us something about Christian deference. How quick we are judge (whether it's thumbs-up or thumbs-down). How easy it is for us to say "That song is anointed," or "That was not inspired," or anything else that imposes our particular bias or preference on the question at hand.] Now the poem, one which I heard at a recent children's Christmas program. THE NATIVITY Among the oxen (like an ox I'm slow) I see a glory in the stable grow Which, with the ox's dullness might at length Give me an ox's strength. Among the asses (stubborn I as they) I see my Saviour where I looked for hay; So may my beastlike folly learn at least The patience of a beast. Among the sheep (I like a sheep have strayed) I watch the manger where my Lord is laid; Oh that my baa-ing nature would win thence Some woolly innocence. - - C. S. Lewis, from POEMS, edited by Walter Hooper, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1977 Best wishes for a wonderful 1997. May God's richest blessings be yours. Chip Stam |