O Holy Night

On this that holiest of night’s in the Christian faith, we remember the night that Jesus was born.  The holy scriptures say God became flesh and dwelt among us.  One of the many names of Christ is Immanuel which literally means “God with us”.In light of all that we read and hear in the news these days, there could be no better message than that God is with us.  He is among us and He is for us.  Today we prepare to celebrate that…to celebrate Him. The words of the classic Christmas carol, O Holy Night explain it all…who that Christ child is and why now 2000+ years later in a world full of shooting and war and famine and struggle and life and death we remember that one who came to us on that night so long ago  to bring us hope and  joy and peace and love.

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit 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!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O’er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is 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 he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!