O Holy Night

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“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.”  – Hebrews 1:3

By far one of the most inspiring pieces of Christmas music ever written is ‘O Holy Night’.  This song has  a history about it that marvels those wondering about that glorious night in Bethlehem.  It has spoken volumes to millions around the globe with it’s haunting conviction, inspiration and grace for all mankind.  Written by, Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure, a French poet, in 1847, titled “Cantique de Noel” and put to music by Adolphe Charles Adams, a Jewish musician.  The song was first performed at midnight mass on Christmas Eve that very year.  It was during the Civil war movement in the 1860’s that, John Sullivan Dwight, an ex-minister from Massachusetts, brought the song to America and turned into the carol we are all familiar with today.  There are legends that it was sung on battlefields during the Civil war and during the Franco-Prussian war.  Some claim that that French and Germans actually stopped fighting for 24 hours on Christmas Eve in 1871 because a French soldier stood from his foxhole, unarmed and sang this song with boldness and conviction, only to be followed by a German soldier doing the same.  On Christmas Day, 1906, ‘O Holy Night’ became the first song ever played over the radio airwaves and received by newspapers, offices and ships at sea.  In the last 100 years this song has become a traditional standard in homes, churches, concert halls and radios all over the world.

It is filled with emotion for most as the words echo through our mind and hearts.  There is something about this song that transports us to that very night of our Saviors birth, falling on our knees to worship the King of Kings.  God brought justice to the world through a baby, born in a stable lying in a manger.  He embraced the corruption, sin, and perversions of the world and provided a path of redemption for them.  He came and dwelt amongst us.  Jesus was God incarnate and lived among His children for 33 years.  He challenged the authority of the time to reconcile themselves.  He challenged those that had perverted His laws with sanctimony and outward impression.  He opened the door to the unjust, the filthy and up to that point unworthy, with a message of love, humility and mercy.  God spoke to the world through this man Jesus Christ a message of compassion for our fellow man rather than the message of oppression and unworthiness that had been held over mankind up to that point.  Look closely at his life and see the Father from which he came.

God can use anything He wants to touch the hearts of man.  He has used a donkey, a star, a rod, and even a robe.  He used a teenage woman, a simple carpenter and a baby.  He used fishermen, tent makers, tax collectors, doctors and lawyers.  He’s used the holy written Word, music, poetry and carols.  His message is for all people and we all connect in different ways.  God wants to use you, just like he used a poet, a Jewish musician and an ex-minister from Massachusetts to create the incredible masterpiece of ‘O Holy Night’.  This song speaks to most everyone I have ever met, but for other’s it may be something different.  Let God use you without concern of your worthiness, for He has demonstrated time and time again, that He can do anything He wants with those that are willing.

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! 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!

Prayer:
Almighty God,
Thank you for using common everyday individuals for Your purpose.  You have shown us throughout Your scriptures the glory of Your righteousness in those that are willing to be used.  Thank You for the wonder and beauty of the music in our lives that we might come to a closer connection with You.  On that blessed and holy night of Jesus birth we celebrate the greatest gift ever given to mankind.  This gift was not Your Son, the babe in the manger, but rather the love and grace that He would provide for our redemption.  In Your holy name we pray - Amen

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