Words of Reflection
We have reached the end of our Advent journey (although there will be one more post tomorrow for Christmas Day). Our waiting is nearly over. It’s Christmas Eve.
Over the few years we’ve been offering this devotional there have been different songs and carols that have captured my heart and soul each year, usually depending on my mood and circumstances. You likely have similar experiences each year as you make your journey to Bethlehem.
But each year, especially since the pandemic, there is one carol that has risen above them all to speak with a unique power and authority, at least for me. The combination of beautiful melody, poignant lyrics, and rich theological reflection are stunning, but add to that a prophetic edge that speaks into the situations and stresses people everywhere seem to be facing right now…and I can think of no better one to offer this final night.
The carol is “O Holy Night.” As you listen you’ll be invited to reflect on the lyrics, but I would also invite you to pay particular attention to the lines from this carol that sit squarely in the tension between the frustrations of this world and the hope of God’s Kingdom made real in Jesus Christ. That’s the prophetic edge in these words which transcends time and culture. connecting us to the people of God in every age who have believed the promises of God while praying for his Kingdom to be revealed in the midst a weary world.
And friends, our world is indeed weary. You might feel that weariness in a profound way yourself. There are trials that seek to assault us every day, making us acutely aware of our need and weakness. The forces of this world seem oppressive, but the good news of Christmas is that tall oppression meets its end in the One whose birth we celebrate. Jesus is here! There is good reason to rejoice!
It’s my prayer that in this carol you feel the invitation to hope, to prayer, to faith, to worship…an invitation to know in the deepest part of your soul that the One who came to earth as a helpless child has come to be our help. However you might feel that need tonight, the invitation is to you and to all who long for God’s light to break through the darkness: Behold your king! Let all within us praise his holy name!
Scripture for Meditation:
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
—Deuteronomy 31:8 (NRSVUE)
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
—John 1:14 (NKJV)
Song: O Holy Night (lyrics here)
There are a few different versions here for you to choose from: a traditional English choir from a Lessons and Carols service, a version by the incomparable Mahalia Jackson, and a more modern recording in a Celtic Worship musical style.
TRADITIONAL CHORAL ARRANGEMENT:
MAHALIA JACKSON VERSION:
CELTIC WORSHIP VERSION:
Questions for Contemplation:
For our final time of prayer and reflection you are invited to read these phrases from “O Holy Night” and let them stir you to prayer for yourself, for those you know, and for our world. May your Christmas Eve be blessed by the truth of Christ’s coming!
The weary world rejoices
Born to be our Friend
He knows our need
He taught us to love one another
His gospel is peace
Chains shall he break
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim