“Veiled in flesh the Godhead see. Hail the incarnate Deity. Pleased as man w
ith man to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.” Hark, the Herald Angels Sing
Have you ever had food coated in Japanese tempura batter? It’s a light coating that adds crunch and flavor, while letting whatever’s underneath peek through in tantal
izing glimpses. It’s not unlike what nature does with many varieties of flowers, such as these paper whites growing in our kitchen window.
Tempura is always what I think about when I hear or sing the above lines from my favorite Christmas carol, Hark, the Herald Angels Sing. How mysterious and delightful to think of the King of Kings wearing a veil of flesh in order to rescue us.
And, what a challenge to follow His example. Living in a way in which our personality, appearance and words add something delightful, but are mainly there to showcase the glory of what’s underneath.
Sigh. My personal tempura has been too salty of late and stretched thin to the point of crumbling by family, work and holidays. But, there is hope, as the song also reminds:
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that man no more may die,
born to raise the sons of earth,
born to give us second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new born King!”
Nora Edinger -- JOY Journal 
well written
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Thanks, Atul. Much needed encouragement! Have a blessed week!
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My pleasure. Same to u dear 😊
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Hey Nora, I just got lost into the transition from tempura to Prince of Peace! Very well executed ! I love and enjoy to read your post about our Creator, the beginning and the end, the Alpha and Omega – Jesus Christ! Keep writing!
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Well, bless your heart, Jessie. I really needed that encouragement today. 🙂 Ah, the holidays, mid-life. It can really run one over! Blessings on your day!!
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Is it just me or can the songs usually only heard at Christmas lyrically encourage, inspire, physically, mentally, and spiritually lift us up all year round? This thought crossed my mind several times already this season, and then again just today reading your post. Personally, I believe a tempura-like playlist of our favorites surely could!
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Sounds good. Those old-school carols and hymns really read like scripture. Sometimes they’re just so profound you have to stop and ponder. (But, they sure are tricky to sing!) Merry Christmas!
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I agree. I’m practicing Oh Holy Night to possibly 🎤 on 🎄eve. 🤞
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Oh my… you always make me think. I don’t think I had ever given any real thought to those words. Love it.
Terry
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Hey, Terry. Just thinking about you guys last night. My friend prayer card came up — yes, I even have a prayer “to do” list! Otherwise, I’d never stay on track… Have a Merry Christmas!
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Aww…thanks. We need all the prayers we can get. All is well..but prayers are always appreciated. Merry Christmas, sweet friend.
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You, too!
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Good analogy. I love that Christmas carol – so much great theology in every line.
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The old carols and hymns all seem to be like that. I like them and the new stuff, too. Blessings!!
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