Happy Birthday Tanner!

O holy night is a magbificent Christmas carol. It has a majestic melody and a profoundly significant message. It proclaims that the Divine became human. This baby was Deity robed in flesh. He came to bring hope to a weary world. (The lyrics are copied below) In the 2nd verse the songwriter describe those who came those who came to worship. The words of verse three describe the impact of His ministry and teaching. I address the first verse last because it is my favorite.  It clearly conveys the truth we need to grasp about the reason Jesus came to earth - to be our Savior. The essence of the Gospel can be summed up in these words:

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!

My summary/paraphrase of this section is though we were languishing in sin, our hope is that God sent His Son to rescue. We were redeemed at such a great cost. Therefore, we can know that though unworthy our soul has great worth. When we believe and apply this truth  we can have hope and stability and it evokes worship.

The event  of that holy night brought Light and Life forever.

I hope you enjoy this beautiful version by Josh Griban.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zh-yR0pbmU&feature=related

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, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
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 he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!