Remember the Joy of ‘O Holy Night’

My family has been listening to Christmas music since November 1 — I can just hear the judgment already — but we thoroughly enjoy all things Christmas. Well, maybe not all of the Hallmark movies.

Since we’ve been indulging in Christmas music for two months, I have found my favorite one: O Holy Night. Now don’t get me wrong, most are pretty good. But ‘O Holy Night’ has emerged as my favorite in this season.

But why?

It’s actually quite simple: I experience deep joy.

“A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.”

The story the real ‘O Holy Night’ should be remembered more so, considering tomorrow is Christmas.

Good News of Great Joy

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:10-11 (emphasis added)

The night began with Mary (currently pregnant) and Joseph in Bethlehem, but it quickly became time to give birth to their first son. At the same time, some shepherds were taking care of their sheep when an angel appeared with an amazing message.

The angel told them “good news of great joy” that the long-awaited Savior had been born. They went into Bethlehem, found Mary and Joseph, and saw the newborn (the Savior, Christ the Lord).

The shepherds told Mary and Joseph about what the angel said and then they went home worshipping God for what they just experienced. Then, eight days later the newborn was circumcised and given the name Jesus (meaning ‘YHWH saves’ or ‘the Lord saves’).

When we sing ‘O Holy Night,’ we are singing about the good news or great joy that Jesus was born into the world. We are singing about the One Savior, Christ the Lord entering human history as a baby. And we are also singing about that baby being born to grow up into our long-awaited Messiah, sacrificing Himself on the cross for the forgiveness and salvation on His people.

Remember the night that our Savior was born! Remember the night when Jesus entered human history — and changed it forever! Remember the joy of ‘O Holy Night.”