Merry Christmas, Everyone!!
The Christmas carol O Holy Night is my favorite. I love how gently it reminds me that Jesus is Savior and King, and how it inspires me to worship Him. Not because I am subservient, but because I choose to give Him honor. Not because of what He has done for me, although I’m grateful and He’s certainly worthy of my best, but because of who He is. When I hear O Holy Night I picture what it would be like walking into the presence of Jesus; to feel the love that radiates from Him. I cannot think of anything more intimate or amazing than being in the presence of someone who loves me that much. When the lyric says “fall on your knees;” I see myself so overwhelmed by His love that I sink straight to my knees to adore Him.
This song reminds me the meaning of Christmas is love. Jesus’ immense and immeasurable love for us and our love for Him and our love for one another. Love that is patient. Love that is kind. Love that forgives and forgets. Love that encourages our best, and supports us when we’re floundering. It reminds me that Jesus values me. He believes in me, enough to sacrifice His life for mine. It reminds me to not grow weary, because there is always hope.
There are about a zillion versions of this song out there, give or take a trillion or two, but my favorite is when I heard Natalie Grant sing it live a few years ago. I cried. So did most of the people around me. I found a video of her singing it live, so I am sharing it with you. I hope it moves you as much as it moves me. So without further adieu here’s Natalie Grant singing O Holy Night. (PS…she opens the song slightly differently than you may have heard before).
Here are the lyrics to O Holy Night by John Sullivan Dwight, so you can sing along.
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
‘Til He appear’d 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 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 come 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, 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.
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
Here are a few bonus versions for you, depending upon your musical tastes.
