O Holy Night

I have always dearly loved these lyrics. I hear this song and I pause and experience Christmas afresh. It is far too easy to accept a commercialized adaptation of Christmas or to experience Christianity as the people or establishments that you have experienced.

There is nothing ordinary and nothing trite about God becoming a baby and in coming, offering Himself in the fulness of love and sacrifice.

Don't we all have weary souls that long to know the depths of love? The depths of this reality exceed a manger scene and every "good Christian's" attempts to adequately reflect Christ. The God that spoke the heavens and stars into being, came near. He came near to embrace His broken people. Draw near in return; Christ our Redeemer has come. Freedom He brings.

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 soul 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!

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 came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our friend!

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!

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