Friday Slowdown

I thought that since we were enjoying the Christmas season, that I would take some days this month to examine favorite carols and hymns of the birth of our Savior.
While I know that scholars and historians have theorized that His birth actually happened at a different time of the year (and the Scriptures tell us the wise men arrived at a whole different time), this is the month that most folks celebrate and mark that wonderful  night. Personally, I think it matters far less "when" we celebrate, and far more "how" we celebrate.  Keeping our focus on Him is a wonderful way to enjoy this season.

"O Holy Night" has always been one of my favorites. There is so much of the gospel woven into this song, and the melody is so uplifting, that is the one I chose to start with. I hope you will read and ponder the words that I've posted below, and consider taking time for prayer right where you are, thanking God for His most precious gift. (The video embedded below is one that I like to listen to. You may want to click to listen and then come back to the text while it plays. If you choose to watch as you listen, that is fine, too. I sometimes am left unsatisfied by portrayals of Biblical events, but this one comes pretty close to doing justice to the song. The actors truly portray the feelings that must have been shared that night -- Joseph exults in the new baby's life and health, then gives way to emotion as he considers the future of that babe, which the angel foretold in his vision. Mary is seen as she observes the adoration of her child, and tucks away those things into her heart of hearts, to take them out and examine them later. The shepherds' childlike homage, and the reverence of the wise men -- it's all there. Enjoy.)

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 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 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, 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.