Merry Christmas Eve, my friends~ What a special day of the year this is as we imagine the final leg of the tiresome journey made by Mary and Joseph.
As we picture them going from place to place trying to find rest among a cramped and uncomfortable circumstance, burdened with pangs of approaching childbirth, we might wonder why God didn’t make better accommodations for them. I certainly have wondered… just as I’ve often wondered why God hasn’t immediately delivered me from whatever difficult circumstance I happen to find myself in at the moment. Why didn’t God make life just a little easier on Mary and Joseph and Jesus? Why hasn’t God made life just a little easier for you and me??
I don’t know the full answer, but one thing the Lord is showing me is that if life was any easier for Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, I wouldn’t KNOW that their every ounce of strength and provision came only from the Lord.
- If there had been room in the inn or the palace for them, then when I’m feeling left out and on the outside, I wouldn’t know that God works in the dark caves just as well as He works in places of lighted comfort and companionship.
- If every expected medical provision had been made for a pristine birth, then I wouldn’t know that God can and does work in ways no humans can conceive nor for which they can prepare.
- If the brightest and best and most acceptable had received the birth announcement instead of the lowly outcasted shepherds, then I wouldn’t know that God cares about and shows Himself to and speaks to all people, not just the socially and religiously acceptable ones.
If God had chosen any practical human provisions for this Holy Night… then we might not know for sure that He can and will work in all circumstances, as pitiful as they might seem, to deliver LOVE and GLORY to His people.
O Holy Night
Christmas Hymn and Carol
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 Spirit 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!Placide Cappeau (1808-1877)
