In Ezekiel 29:21, we read, “On that day I will make a horn grow for the house of Israel, and I will open your mouth among them. Then they will know that I am the Lord” (NIV). For us a horn is what grows out of the head of an animal or, perhaps, a musical instrument; trumpet, clarinet, etc. Watch your Christmas Cards this year for angels blowing long trumpets announcing the coming of Jesus. To the people of Israel the “horn” was both a bone growing out of the head of an animal as well as a musical instrument. It’s called a “shofar” in the Bible. One commentator said, “The shofar was blown as a signal for the beginning of a special festival or for the call to battle. Ram’s horns were also used as containers for carrying liquids. Sometimes the liquid was oil used for anointing a king. The prophet Samuel anointed David with oil to show that God had chosen him to be king of Israel.” I’m wondering if the anointing aspect might be the clearer understanding of Jesus as the “horn” of our salvation. Regardless, Zechariah’s prophecy and praise includes the line (Luke 1:68), “for He has visited and redeemed His people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David.” The Horn represents strength, power, and authority.

My grandson Ezekiel (after the prophet quoted above), argued with me that “Jesus loves me” was a Christmas song. I said it wasn’t specifically a Christmas song. He didn’t like my arguments so I acquiesced to his side and admitted it was most appropriate. But I could tell that I upset him. When I attended his Christmas program at School, his class sang several songs and the last one they sang was “Jesus loves me.” He had been practicing that song for a couple weeks to be part of this kindergarten Christmas program. Now, I understand! To Zeke it was indeed a Christmas song.

I’m certain everyone reading this has heard that song. It’s a great one for adults and kids alike and it really is a great Christmas song. It reminds us that we are truly weak and weary on our pilgrim’s journey. We are small, little, insignificant in the huge scheme of the universe, but He is truly strong and capable and He came for our sakes. It’s the weak ones that belong to Him. We often struggle with life’s difficulties, but Christ, in our lives, makes us strong as well. We are strong with the “horn” of His salvation. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” When we understand that we are weak, then the power of Jesus can work in our lives. “Jesus loves me, this I know, For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong. They are weak, but He is strong!”