It’s here, O holy night.

When I was a child we sang O Holy Night every Christmas Eve at church. The memory that stands out, I’m a bit embarassed to admit, is stifling giggles with my sister. The woman who traditionally sang the song used more vibrato than our young ears thought was necessary.

She sang with such love. As an adult, I can see why. The words capture deep truths in such a beautiful way.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining.

Pining. How well that word captures the longer for what seems just beyond your fingertips. Pining to be with loved ones. Pining to be pregnant, healed, or no longer in pain. Pining to contribute to the good in the world. Pining to know God more.

Pining in our error. The times you chose impatience, responded in anger, told a lie, did not go the extra mile, or were flat out cruel.

Long lay the world in sin and error pinining.
Till He appear’d and the soul felt its worth.

That line is one of my favorites.

Those moments when your soul feels its worth are precious.

Really I could go line by line through the song. Instead of letting me tell you what I think, read the lyrics and let them remind you of this holy night.

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,
Till 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 angel 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 the 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 weaknesses no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!

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.

It seems that a corporate “Amen!” is the best response. Truly He did teach us to love one another. I am grateful that we can grow in that love together. Merry Christmas friends,

Global Trellis

Photo by D A V I D S O N L U N A on Unsplash