Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord… Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:11-14)
Usually I have the high spirits of the holidays come the day after Halloween, and last the season long. I love every bit of the busyness and Christmas music. The family gatherings, and the children’s excitement. Everyone is a little nicer and giving to one another, and the cold weather gives to warm fires and roasted marshmallows. I have to admit, though, it has been a bit of a struggle this year. Being hit with a few personal hard hits right here at Christmas has almost made me want to just close my eyes and say “tell me when it is over”.
But now more than ever it is important to stop and remember why we celebrate Christmas. The birth of our savior. The hope to the world, the one who has come to bring restoration and take our sins that we might not be separated from God. The good news of Jesus Christ!
We can have a hope in a hopeless world. When people have let us down, and circumstances seem bleak in our lives we have hope, hope that a savior came off his throne, and chose to humble himself. A savior that says “I know what you are going through, I have been there too”.
My favorite song at the holidays, more than any other to bring tears to my eyes is “Oh Holy Night”. It shares the hope and the message of Jesus better than any other.
Are you weary today? Wondering where in the world your hope for a new and better day could be?
“Long lay the world in sin and error pining, ‘Til He appear’d and the soul felt its worth.A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.”
Do you feel bound by chains, debts you can not ever repay, and mistakes you can never repair? Bound by religious laws you feel you can never live up to?
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.
Cast your cares upon him today and remember that this season is about rejoicing that you are not alone anymore! You can rejoice and be joyful for a new day has dawned and hope springs forth!
Words to Oh Holy Night. Read them, and truly think about them, not just another Christmas song, but words of Hope!
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
‘Til He appear’d 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.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, Behold your King.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.