O HOLY NIGHT
O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining, it is the night of our dear Saviors birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining, Til He appeared and the soul felt it’s 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.
This song, penned in the 1800’s has become a very popular Christmas carol, and the message is based off the gospel of Luke chapter 2, where we read about this great event unfolding. How Mary, being with child, made the trip from Nazareth of Galilee with her espoused husband, Joseph, to the town of Bethlehem, in Judaea. While there, she went into labor, and brought forth her firstborn son. Luke, known as the beloved physician, was writing this story as it was told to him by Mary, herself.
Mary recounted that after the birth of Jesus, she wrapped him in cloths to swaddle him, and laid him in a feeding trough, for animals, because there wasn’t any rooms available at the local Inn.
Mary remembered how shepherds were keeping their sheep as it grew dark, watching for predators, when suddenly an angel appeared, and the glory of the Lord shone round about the shepherds, and they were very scared. They had never witnessed anything like that before. Mary goes on to tell Luke what the angel said to the shepherds.
Behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which is for all people! Today, in this city of David, called Bethlehem, a Savior has been born, which is called Christ (Messiah) the Lord. You will find him, laying in a feeding trough!
All of a sudden, there appears a whole multitude of angels! They were praising God, and saying Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will towards men.
The shepherds came to Bethlehem, and they found us just as the angel had told them.
When they seen me, and Joseph, and baby Jesus, laying in the manger, they couldn’t keep the news to themselves. They went out and began to broadcast the news, to tell what the angel said, and to proclaim that they seen the baby, the Christ, the Savior with their own eyes. Then they returned to their flocks, still praising God for what they had seen and heard.
This passage in Luke is read in many homes and churches throughout the month of December.
Luke’s gospel gives us Mary’s first hand account of the events of the birth of Jesus. The visit from the angel Gabriel, the journey to Bethlehem, the joy and awe of the shepherds, the host of angels praising God, the visit from the wise men, the words of Simeon, and Anna in the Temple, and much more. But most importantly, is the birth of Messiah.
Yes, Jesus was born to be the Savior of the world. To bring forgiveness of sins, eternal life, hope, joy, peace, and so much more. During this season, may we rejoice and remember why a baby was born in Bethlehem……God bless.