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!

Our world is stuck in a pattern of sin. It’s no different now than it was generations ago. We might even say we’re “pining” like those waiting for Jesus’ first coming. Are you feeling weary? I long for that day when the thrill of hope will break through once again.

Until that day comes, the image of falling on our knees before God is powerful. With the same awe and wonder of hearing God cry his first earthly cry – we need to be humbled before him, too. This was such a divine night, a historic night, a holy night like none other.

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 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

You wouldn’t expect to find a king in an animal’s feed trough, would you? Yet, the light of a star led the way for even wise men from afar to find the baby Jesus. Do you feel like God is still tucked away in obscurity today?  If we look, we, find Jesus is waiting there for us.

We may find ourselves stuck in the muck of our own messy lives, just waiting for a friend to pull us to our feet. Jesus came to be our friend. Jesus’ own words in John 15:12-13 are beautiful. “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus did exactly that when he gave his life for us! How do you respond to that kind of love?

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

Here it says Jesus’ law is love! Some people of Jesus’ day were hyper focused on the law. Others, not so much. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus tells us “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.” Would that purpose be that God loved us and desires peace for his people?

Jesus did his best to model for us true love, humility, and grace. That list could go on and on when we think about all the lessons Jesus teaches us in his word. In Jesus, we will find peace, and we wait for the day when all oppression shall cease. Until that day, let the Lord lead you to a place where you can feel safe and loved. Along our journey of faith, it’s important to find others who also believe and rest in the joy of knowing our Savior King.

Jesus’ birth was magnificent. But even this song tells us that Jesus’ is with us forevermore. Jesus is Lord, and His power and glory will evermore proclaim! Matthew 24:14 says, “And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.” Sing praise!

Let’s pray. Lord, you are great and worthy to be praised. My heart overflows with adoration and praise. Help me to grow closer to you every day. Help me refresh my faith each day by reading your word and celebrating your promise over my life. Use me to help others see you more clearly. In Jesus’ name. Amen.