Christmas Words

Come Emmanuel.
Love came down.
God with us.
O night divine.

Do you have a favourite song or carol at Christmas? Or particular words that bring the merriest, warmest feelings to you? I am drawn to the old carols, of course. Older is better in my mind, and this year the carol that has almost constantly been in my head is "O Holy Night". I can blame it on my pastor who talked about it in his sermon several weeks ago, and how he never paid attention to the words until then, and he read the words, like a poem, to the congregation.

What I love about the old carols and poetry is the words of depth and longing. Of comfort and joy through beautiful words. The influx of heavenly influences in a few words. And the feeling of stillness in a single moment. 

Stillness // For a moment everything halts and the world slows down.
The beating rhythm of life melds into a moment, which fills our minds with thoughts, all colliding into one another and ultimately with the firmness that is God's love.
My heart sings a different tune.
A restoring of energies and focus is the result.
Letting go of oneself, just for a moment.
Knowing God is God.
No room for doubt.
Just a stillness deep down that surpasses all other momentary feelings.

I have been replaying this version of "O Holy Night" about every ten minutes these past several days. The group, The Hunts, is a band of seven siblings who all sing and play several instruments. If you know me, you know that I absolutely love watching talented musicians play and sing in the sweetest harmonies. I hope you enjoy this video as much as I have been enjoying it.

Merry Christmas!

O Holy Night

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!