The weary world rejoices

…the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn…

“O Holy Night” holds steadfast as my favorite hymn celebrating the birth of Christ. The song is often slow and melodramatic, with a resounding orchestra supporting the singer. If I had been a lowly shepherd in the field, I would have fallen on my knees to hear the angels’ voices, out of fear and wonder alike! What message of joy and hope the angels brought, to visit a newborn baby who would change the world!

We are a weary world. For as long as I can remember, the elements of joy and hope are coupled with loss and grief. Those who keenly feel alone, anxious, or overwhelmed feel it even more astutely this time of year, with family gatherings and social expectations. Even those who love this season can admit the busy throng of “thrill of hopes” can be a challenge to navigate through obligations and filled calendars. Is our heart filled with scheduled events, or the wonder of the Christ child?

We long for the calm instilled by “the light of Faith serenely beaming.” We long for some kind of relief, of comfort, of the real life found Someday in “a new and glorious morn.” That we find difficulties and sorrow even now speaks to the Fall and to the ways we look for redemptive moments this side of the veil. We long for God to unravel time and set all things right, and so many unanswered questions will remain until that time. So we hold to hope.

This year, the lyrics that hold meaning for me personally include, “Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love and His gospel is peace.” I am learning to love with real affection and fervor, and unilaterally, not just toward those who are loving or kind. Love God, Love Others, and extend grace and peace.

We are reminded that “in his name all oppression shall cease,” and that is my prayer as well. My hope is that those who are grieving this holiday season might find comfort and love. And from that compassionate healing comes God’s unmistakable peace.

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;

Chorus
Fall on your knees, Oh 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 come the wise men from Orient land,
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our friend;

Chorus
He knows our need, To our weakness no stranger!
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King! your King! before him 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!

Chorus
Christ is the Lord, then ever! ever praise we!
His pow’r and glory, evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory, evermore proclaim!