Weekend Words

From Christmas - Quiet Moments for the Season...

O Holy Night - Luke 2:4-14

"Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” 

According to tradition, a Christmas song once brought peace to a battlefield.  It happened on Christmas Eve during the Franco-German War (1870-1871) as the two sides faced each other in their trenches.

A French soldier jumped up and began singing "O Holy Night."  The surprised German soldiers did not fire.  Instead, one of them stepped forward to sing "From Heaven Above to Earth I Come."

For a brief time at least, peace on earth prevailed and good will was shared among men whose job it was to kill each other.

Think about the words of "O Holy Night" and see how they can bring hostilities to a halt.  "Long lay the world in sin and error pining."  Who knows about the world's ills better than soldiers who are facing the consequences of war, killing, and death?

"A thrill of hope" is what these men needed in the darkness of that winter night.  Hope is what "the dear Savior's birth" provides.  Because of Him the "weary world rejoices."

Even though we may not be engaged in physical combat, we all face the battles of everyday life.  We can let the peace of that holy night - the night of our dear Savior's birth - reign in our hearts the whole year through.     

 - Dave Branon

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This is my favourite Christmas song, and I think Josh Groban's version is the best (after listening to quite a few others). He has an amazing voice!

So, as I've posted in previous years, you get to listen to it again this year... :))

Enjoy!