This year, for some reason, words from several of the traditional Christmas hymns have hit me squarely between the eyes....as if I had never heard them before, particularly Oh Holy Night.
Now I don't think that Christmas is really any special day as far as God is concerned, actually Jesus was most likely born in the spring...and I imagine Father God is much more impressed with the days His Son died and rose again to live forever. I really don't believe there is magic in this particular day, every day is a day the Lord has made...however the Christmas season does give us opportunity to remember and reflect if we can stop a minute to listen...to really hear the message all around us.
The lines from O Holy Night are part of that message that spoke especially loudly to me this year and very powerful if you really hear them.
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining. Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born; O night, O Holy Night , O night divine! O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother. And in his name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, With all our hearts we praise His holy name. Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we, His power and glory ever more proclaim! His power and glory ever more proclaim!
what truth! The world did lay helpless in sin and devastation til He appeared and changed everything. When Jesus came the soul of man could find hope for the very first time....truly it was a new and glorious day.... Everything began to change with the birth of that baby... a day of hope for freedom was born for all mankind....a hope that had only been whispered in the generations before, now began to beat louder and louder in the hearts of those with ears to hear and eyes to see.
His death ansd resurrection fulfilled that great Hope that His birth had allowed...chains were broken...forever...and every slave...which would be you and me...was set free...if only we can see and embrace that reality of realities...
we are free!
He has ended our oppression once and for all!!
With all our hearts we praise His holy name and proclaim His power and glory forever!
I hope you found time to listen this season...
Merry Christmas! and Happy Freedom Day!
