Oh Holy Night

With Christmas drawing nearer, I cannot help but get the same feeling of anticipation and joy that I felt as a child, anxious to awake to stockings on the mantle and presents under the tree. Now, however, I feel most excited for other aspects of the lovely Christmas season. I can't wait to see the faces of my sweet family members, to sip hot cocoa or yummy lattes with the snow outside, to watch Christmas movies, bake cookies, and of course to celebrate God's wonderful gift of His son.

For the last several years, the Christmas Eve service at my "home" church has been one of the things I have come to love most about the holiday. I love gathering with my family and friends to remember why Christmas is so truly important. I love hearing the miraculous Christmas story over and over again. I love singing "Silent Night" by candlelight in a full sanctuary. But one of the most blessed parts of the Christmas Eve service to me is hearing the gorgeous melody and words of "Oh Holy Night." Someone sings this song at my church almost every Christmas, and it always brings tears to my eyes. I love the passion behind this song and how it reminds me that nothing is more divine than the night that Jesus came into this world. When I hear the lyrics echoing in my ears--"Fall on your knees. Oh hear the angel voices. Oh night divine! Oh night when Christ was born!-- I get chills thinking of the unfathomable gift I have in Jesus.

As the days to Christmas become less and as I enjoy the merriment and charm of this joyful season, I think about my favorite Christmas carol, "Oh Holy Night," and I am so thankful that I have the most wonderful reason to celebrate at this time of year. "Christ is the Lord! Oh praise His name forever. His power and glory evermore proclaim! His power and glory evermore proclaim!"