Reflection: “O Holy Night”

This Christmas carol classic accomplishes two purposes. Firstly, it speaks about the holiness of Jesus Christ, and with this comes the redemptive understanding of the Christmas story.

We know Christmas centres around a very special baby. While babies are born every day of the year, this baby, Jesus Christ, born over 2,000 years ago is still celebrated today.

His birth, as this carol says, brings freedom to the captive and hope to humanity. In John’s Gospel, it says that we are no longer slaves, but Jesus calls us friends (John 15:15). Jesus calls you friend! How reassuring is this. The only holy human to walk this earth, the Son of God loves you so much that he calls you friend.

Secondly, “O Holy Night” not only speaks about the mess the world is in, but also speaks of a world who needs a Saviour. We need a Saviour to break down the walls of death and destruction and to make a way for us all to be right with God. Jesus is the way, the truth and the light (John 14:6).

“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 soul 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, O night when Christ was born

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 the 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 no stranger
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, then ever, ever praise we
His power and glory evermore proclaim.”

Original French lyrics by Placide Cappeau (1843), translated into English by John Sullivan Dwight, 1855

Prayer:

Thank you, Jesus, that you are humble and holy. Thank you that you call me friend and have made a way for me to be right with God. May I never take this for granted but always be full of gratitude.  Amen.