O Holy Night

A thin dusting of snow covers the ravine turning the forest floor into a natural reflector of the light that is beginning to fill the sky.

The sounds of King’s College Chapel’s Lessons and Carols service fills the background whilst in the foreground. Jakob and Ella converse about what they will make next with their play dough. “Do you want some soup mum?”

The lights on the tree glow in the early morning hours of dawn while the fire warms the heart and home.

It is Christmas Eve.

It is the day when all the preparations of the last couple of months culminate into a climax of celebration.

Peace. Hope. Joy. Love.

My favourite Christmas carol is O Holy Night.

The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and e’er pining
‘Til 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 angels 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 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!

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.
O night divine, O night, O night divine

Even now, as I read over these words, I am struck by how awe-inspiring they are and how they encapsulate everything wonderful and mysterious about Christmas. The words rise above not only our own insecurities and suffering but on a greater scale, the conflict of the world. The God portrayed is not a God of wrath and judgment but of humility and compassion. He knows our need.

He knows our need.

It is a song that calls for peace, and hope and joy and love. From sin and pining to reverence and through that adoration all oppression shall cease.

All oppression shall cease.

This is my prayer this Christmas.

To those in need: Christ came for you.

To those who are oppressed: Christ came for you.

To those who are weary: Christ came for you.

May the peace, the joy, the hope and the love of the Christmas season fill you all. From our family to yours, a very Merry Christmas!