Weary Soul Rejoice Christmas Trivia: The above phrase comes from which hymn? While you are thinking of the answer I have a few more questions. Have you ever taken the time to ponder the words to Christmas hymns and carols? Is it truly possible for a weary soul to rejoice? According to “O Holy Night” it is possible. During this third week of Advent we are going to dig deeper into the meaning behind the lyrics of “O Holy Night.” “O Holy Night” was written in 1847 by Frenchman Placide Cappeau and later translated into English by John Sullivan Dwight in 1858. When I looked at the literal French translation, I saw how it is possible for a weary soul to rejoice that involves coming to our knees, bowing our heads, and then standing up. The Christmas season can be difficult for many of us, causing our soul to become weary. Sadness, sickness, stress, hurt, loss, and anxiety can be masked by the tinsel, bows, and the festivities of the season. The first verse in this beloved hymn acknowledges these heartaches and offers hope. “Long lay the world in sin and error pining, ‘Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.” Since sin entered the world, we will continue to experience heartache and pain. But, the Lord came to tangibly demonstrate His love for us (John 3:16,17). We have value and are important to Him. He became Emmanuel, God with us. Realization of this will cause us to come to our knees in humility-- realizing He is our Redeemer and we cannot do life on our own. Verse two and the following chorus goes on to affirm that the Lord knows and can relate to our difficulties: “He knows our need, to our weakness no stranger.” Sometimes when we are in the midst of pain, we can feel alone and that no one understands. “In our trials, He was born to be our friend.” He is familiar with our pain and can relate (Hebrews 4:15,16). He has also placed brothers and sisters in Christ around us to bring comfort and support. When we begin to realize this we will not only come to our knees but we will bow our heads in gratitude before our Redeemer and friend. Maybe this Christmas you are not personally experiencing pain but you know someone who is going through a difficult time. Verse three gives insight into how to offer help. “Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love and His gospel is peace...in His name all oppression shall cease” (John 13:34). Reach out in love and be the hands and feet of Jesus in tangible ways as He leads you. Pray that Jesus will break the chains of oppression. There is power in His name (John 20:31). And together, we will praise our Redeemer for life and deliverance and stand up to proclaim His power and glory. On that holy night so many years ago, Jesus came to redeem the world. He came. His presence is with us. O, what a gift! 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!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorI am a woman who loves everything about making a house a home. I enjoy meal planning, cooking, baking, sewing, crafting, and decorating. Not so much cleaning and laundry, but that goes along with caring for a home. I am blessed to be married to a pastor and we have had the privilege of raising two daughters. Archives
July 2021
Categories |