Hymn Devotional

 

1 O holy night! the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared 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, O holy night, O night divine!

2 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 came 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!

3 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 pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!

     It has been hard to pick a hymn that so well fits the season. But this hymn has become one of my all time favorites. When I first heard this hymn, it struck a cord in me that I have longed to hear it time and time again.

     It has a simple message that speaks volumes to us. When He came into the world, it was a calm peaceful night. The shepherds were awaken to this spactacular sight of having angels come to reveal to them what has just taken place.This weary world can now rejoice, for the Savior has come into this world. Yet, it is not as they would have planned.

    The wise men have also seen a great site and have left everything to come to see this sight. They too were expecting for Him to be born in the palace. Jesus was older and could travel now. In fact, He had to travel to prevent Him from being killed. Yet, He is able to be tempted in every way that we are, yet He has no sin. He has become a friend to us, realizing that everyone needs help in this evil world.    

    He has taught us how to love one another. His Father is Love and we too may receive His message of love and peace. He is breaking forth our chains so that we can be freed from our bondage of sin!

Prayer:

Lord, 

     As we journey through this life, help us not to be discouraged. Help us as we strive to reach out to our brother, who may be hurting during this season. 

     Lord, it seems like this is the most precious time of the year, but there are so many who are hurting, not knowing your Love for them. There have been several who appear lost and alone, who have no one to turn to as death has claimed their loved one. Or there are those who are lonely, not having a friend to share their life with. Help us to search for them, so that we can celebrate the birth of our Lord.

     May you guide us to such a person who needs to know that You still care for them and not wanting them to be alone, especially when we celebrate the birth of our Lord!

     I pray this for you, that you will show your love as we celebrate this marvelous day!