O Holy night! The stars are brightly shining It is the night of our dear Savior's birth Long lay the world in sin and error pining 'Til He appears 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; O hear the Angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born O night, O Holy night, O night divine!
Most Christians are familiar with this traditional Christmas hymn. I can remember singing this as far back as my memories of Christmas go, but this year it hit me in an entirely different way. This year some of the words that I have sung time after time popped out at me in a whole new way. Specifically, “A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices.” This year those words mean so much more.
Let’s face it, none of us would have asked for 2020 to go the way it has. COVID has impacted all of our lives in some way, and some of us have been impacted so greatly that we are all a little weary. Some of us may even wonder where God is at times. As Christians we know he is with us because scripture tells us so. (Psalm 139:1-12) Even with God’s promise in scripture it is sometimes hard to feel His presence as we grow more and more weary. But fellow Christians, this is not the time to grow tired. This is the time to rejoice! This is the time to proclaim hope in a weary world.
Maybe your Christmas will look different this year. Maybe you, like me, will be missing those you love. But take heart. You are not alone. We are celebrating Christ’s presence in our world, and in your home. He is what connects you to those who aren’t with you. He is with each of your loved ones at the very time He is with you. So decorate the house, sing the Christmas carols, and rejoice for the world to see. It is our celebration of our Savior’s birth, and a chance to share Him with the world.
Sue Nicklas
12/22/2020