It seems that each year there is one particular moment surrounding Christmas when I am struck with worship. It is one of those moments when I am able to lose sight of all of the business of my holiday schedule, the shopping, the gifts, the lights, the tree, and even planning services and messages. It is a moment when the only thing I can think of and the only thing that matters is that miraculous understanding of what the miracle of Christmas is all about.
It happened again this year. This time I was at the Christmas Concert of Lititz Christian School which is a ministry of Grace Church. The High School choir closed out their portion of the program with a Christmas Carol I have heard a hundred…make that a thousand times. But this night it was as if I was hearing its words for the very first time. This was that moment for me when the only aspect of the holiday was worship.
It happened again this year. This time I was at the Christmas Concert of Lititz Christian School which is a ministry of Grace Church. The High School choir closed out their portion of the program with a Christmas Carol I have heard a hundred…make that a thousand times. But this night it was as if I was hearing its words for the very first time. This was that moment for me when the only aspect of the holiday was worship.
O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior’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 soul rejoices,
A thrill of hope, the weary soul 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, O holy 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 came 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—to our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!
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 pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
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