Merry Christmas

This Christmas season has been a wonderful and I believe "life-changing" experience for me. I have sought to reconnect with the true story/meaning of Christmas from the perspective of the Word of God concerning the mission of Christ. I asked the Lord this morning to help me keep this connection in my heart so that it will not just become a fleeting moment of inspiration. I had other words to share this morning but I read a devotional that spoke to my heart and I would like to share a portion of it with you today. It is based on the song O Holy Night. 

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till 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 angel voices!

O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
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 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 pow'r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim!

These words were written by a wine seller named Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure in 1847. His parish priest had asked him to write a poem for Christmas. Later his friend composed the music and it became the great hymn of Christmas.

The words are perfection and have been sung by the finest voices every Christmas Eve. I hope reading the words will be a powerful time of praise for you today. Christmas is a reminder of what God knew your soul was worth – his Son. I hope that knowledge gives you a thrill of hope and causes you to fall to your knees in a chorus of grateful praise.

Christmas Eve is a divine night, a Holy night. As you gather with your family, your church family and with friends, remember that Jesus taught us to love one another. His law for you is love, his gospel message is peace. Maybe you will be able to encourage someone with that message today, and their chains will be broken.

Sing sweet hymns of joy. Raise a grateful chorus. Praise the Holy name of Christ.

The holiday is a holy day. Proclaim his power and glory – forever.