Read: Luke 1:26-38
One of the most powerful and favorite Christmas songs through the years has been “O Holy Night.” Next to Silent Night it may be the most sung Christmas song of all time. “O Holy Night” was originally a poem titled “Midnight, Christians” written in 1843 by French poet Placide Cappeau. Four years later in 1847 the words to that poem were put to music by minister John Sullivan Dwight. And the rest is history.
Or maybe we should say that history made this song what it is. “O Holy Night” is a song that reflects on the greatest night in the history of the world, the night that God came to Earth to be with us in His Son Jesus. It’s a song that reflects on the birth of Jesus in the Judean village of Bethlehem and on humanity’s redemption that follows. So often we sing these words but how often do we pay attention to what they say? Perhaps this poem, or this song, can speak to you in a new way this Christmas. Here are the words.
“O holy night! The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining, Till He appear’d and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born; O night divine, O night, O night Divine.
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming, With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand. So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming, Here come the wise men from the Orient land. The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger; In all our trials born to be our friend. He knows our need, to our weaknesses no stranger, Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend! Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His gospel is peace. Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother; And in His name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, Let all within us praise His holy name. Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever, His power and glory evermore proclaim. His power and glory evermore proclaim.”
As you celebrate Christmas this year remember to celebrate that holy night over 2,000 years ago that gives people around the world a reason to rejoice. May our response to this great news be the same as Jesus’ mother Mary’s response was in Luke 1, “May your word be fulfilled!”
Make it Personal: What is your favorite Christmas hymn? Is it because of what the words proclaim or is it because of the beautiful music and memories it conveys? Either way, rejoice in the truth of this season and celebrate that God is with us. God is with you through Jesus!
Merry Christmas Everyone,
Pastor Glen Rhodes
