O Holy Night

When do you start listening to Christmas music in your house? That's usually a question that has a definite answer. in our home, it's typically the Friday after Thanksgiving - that's the day that we usually break out the Christmas music and start. I must confess though, this year I started a little earlier. I had a CD or two in my car going before Thanksgiving. For some reason, I was anxious to get an early start!

One of the great things about Christmas music, especially if you are Christian, is that singing about Christ becomes "mainstream"! Sure there are lots of Christmas carols that really have nothing to do with Christ, but many of them do. And in regards to those that do, I have a couple a couple of questions for you... Do you really listen to the words? Do you really think about the lyrics that you are singing? Have you thought about the power of what we are proclaiming when we sing some of these songs?

One of my favorites is "O Holy Night". I've placed the lyrics below. I'd like you to slowly read through them. Read through them as if you're reading a prayer. Pause after each verse or two. Contemplate the depth and meaning of what's being said. I'll ask a question or two after each section to get you thinking a little more. 

O Holy Night, The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
'Til He appeared 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 angels voices.
O night divine O night when Christ was born
O night divine, O night, O night divine.

What must it have been like, before Christ was born, dealing with the "sin and error pining"? How marvelous must it have been when that "new and glorious morn" finally came to pass? Does it make you want to "fall on your knees"?

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 came the wise men from 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 weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

Does He lead you today with His light? Do you turn to Him as a friend in your trials? Do you realize that "He knows (y)our need"; that (y)our weakness is not a stranger to Him?

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.
O night divine, O night, O night divine

Do we love another the way He taught us? What chains has He broken in your life? Do you praise Him? Do you sing praises to Him? Christmas is the best, and easiest time, to sing praises to Him. I encourage you to do so. Sing these "sweet hymns of joy" to Him. Remember why we sing these songs. Remember what they mean. 

Here is a popular version of O Holy Night that you've probably heard before. (You'll find that not every version contains all of the verses above.) Listen to it anew - with a fresh understanding of what God may be speaking to your heart through the words of this song. 


 

Location: Milton, GA, USA

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