O Holy Night

Read:

Luke 2:10-12, “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’”

Think:

“O Holy Night” had its origins as a French poem in 1847. Then an American writer, John Sullivan Dwight, who was an avid abolitionist, was moved by the poem’s reminder that Jesus came to bring justice: “Chains shall he break for the slave is our brother, and in his name all oppression shall cease.” Dwight then developed an English version which was popular throughout the civil war and continued to grow in popularity.

Then in 1906, Reginald Fessenden, who had only used his radio for Morse code, decided to do something no one had ever done before – he did a radio broadcast of live music. That icy, cold December evening, with a Bible opened up to Luke and looking at the words, “Glory to God in the highest,” Reginald picked up his violin and began playing the melody of “O Holy Night.” And for those listening, it was as if heaven had opened. Hope was here.

Act:

Remember what Christmas is all about: “the thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.” Ask God to bring to your mind someone who you can reach out to and encourage today with the hope of Christ.

Pray:

Jesus, there are times that I’m tired of the heartache and chaos in our world. Thank You for this reminder that wherever You are, there is hope. Help me to extend that hope to others. Amen.