Oh Holy Night…

The words to this glorious hymn can commonly be heard resonating through school auditoriums, church sanctuaries and shopping malls alike during the December months. And what a night it was…

Yet, this year it is the third verse to this beautiful carol that catches my attention:

“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”

It was the birth of Christ, the announcement of the Messiah born that changed history. His life was lived for others; His very message one of love and peace for ALL mankind. And it is at the Name of JESUS that oppression; injustice and every kind of wickedness will cease and bow its knee.

My prayer this Christmas Eve is that tomorrow – as the sun rises on another Christmas morn – our hymns of gratitude and praise will fill the atmosphere around us. That the joy of the season will only increase our awareness of the needs of others and the depth of God’s love and compassion that He would send His only son to live and die for US. May our celebrations genuinely reflect the Gospel message that truly our Saviour has come.

A Holy Night indeed.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

Love, Brian