The following is a poem written by my father years ago. Yesterday we took it with us when we visited my mother and Peter read it to her. She had no recognition of this familiar poem – no memory that my father had written it. But what we did see was a precious identification with the truth of these words. She was so responsive to the message of the poem even though its origin and author were forgotten.

As I read over these words again this morning, I was struck by the realization that all of this is possible because of Christmas. God gave us the amazing gift of His Son, and we truly are “complete in Him.”

IN CHRIST

“You are complete in Him” Colossians 2:10 (NKJV)

In Christ I have a pardon full

From all the guilt of sin,

The fountain flowing from His wounds

Keeps cleansing me within.

In Christ access to God in mine

He lives to intercede.

Before the Father’s glorious throne

He brings my slightest need.

In Christ I’ve found a calm repose

While in His arms I rest.

The circling storms can hold no threat

Nor mounting waves molest.

In Christ I have a blessed hope

No earthly prize can dim.

The trumpet’s sound shall call me up –

Eternity with Him.

Nor have I ought, but what He gives,

And bowing at His feet,

This joyous truth enthralls my soul –

In Christ I am complete!

(Samuel W. McGarvey, July 7, 1948)

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15

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