Christmas – Page 4 – Be Still…

Day 5 🌲 It Came Upon The Midnight Clear

Clear night sky with stars, fresh snow on some trees beneath

Luke 1:79 tells us why Jesus came. Jesus is “It” who came upon the midnight clear in today’s carol. That reason is “to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” I found several “versions” of this song out there with little differences, so because I grew up Lutheran I went with the hymnal version of that (via online source hymnary.org).

Did you take enough time this Christmas season so far to spend honoring the newborn king? I’ve personally delighted in the opportunity to write for you every day and share a bit of my life, my journey. Starting with our Advent series this year, I have been drawn into a closer walk with God. It’s my prayer that’s the same for you.

Day 4 🌲 O Holy Night

On the first day of Christmas, we looked at my husband David’s favorite Christmas carol. What’s your favorite? Hopefully it will be one of the next ones during our 12 Days of Christmas. Today’s song is my favorite and are these words ever powerful!

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 appears 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, O Holy night, O night divine!

Day 3 🌲 O Come All Ye Faithful

nativity shepherds o come all ye faithful

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… Rather than three French hens, our carol today repeats this line “three” times in each refrain. “O come, let us adore him!” We can adore Christ the Lord in the here and now!

As you read through the lyrics of this carol, let yourself be transported back to Bethlehem. Read Luke 2:8-16. Imagine you’ve tagged along with the shepherds, anxious to see this thing they’ve just heard about.

Day 2 🌲 Silent Night

black outline of nativity against background of bright colorful lights

The second Christmas Carol we’ll reflect on is Silent Night. This beloved carol was written in 1816 by a young priest in Austria, Joseph Mohr. Franz Gruber was the organist responsible for such a memorable melody. I don’t know about you, but when I hear this song, it’s like I’m transported into the closing moments of any Christmas Eve service gone by. The lights go dim, and I stand there in the dark of a silent night, holding my own candle while singing “Silent Night.”

Now that we’re in Mexico, the same tune is used for a very similar song called Noche De Paz, Noche De Amor (Night of Peace, Night of Love). In our worship Christmas Eve this year, I was brought to tears by the lyrics once again! So simple, yet profound!

Day 1 🌲 O Little Town of Bethlehem

Merry Christmas!!

Fun Fact! The 12 Days of Christmas start on Christmas Day (if you’re following a liturgical calendar). As your 12 Days of Christmas begin this year, let’s take pause to explore the lyrics of some of our favorite Christmas carols. There is a richness I’m only now beginning to fully appreciate (and, as my kids tell me, “I’m old.”).