Advent Reflections #22: Deep Christmas
I have skipped a day on these reflections, and will share a hymn below. As this is the day before Christmas, I feel as if I am deeply in the Christmas season. It is too late too shop, too late to send cards (I have not sent any but will send a letter on Thursday, too late to do much but eat and watch movies and visit. Fortunately, we can attend Christmas Eve service, which I will do at 6:00 at my church.
Deep Christmas reminds of the two songs about "night." "O Holy Night" and "Silent Night." I love to hear a good soprano sing the first. However, I doubt most churches where it is sung really listen to the words. They are political. The night wasn't really divine; at best it was sanctified. And we have no reason to think Jesus was actually born at night. The lines "Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother./And in his name all oppression shall cease." Do we really believe that? Are we obliged, commanded to make sure the oppression ceases? Perhaps, truly, to the extent we can, to the extent it is within our power. See my Advent Reflection 23.
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 wise men 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!
Deep Christmas reminds of the two songs about "night." "O Holy Night" and "Silent Night." I love to hear a good soprano sing the first. However, I doubt most churches where it is sung really listen to the words. They are political. The night wasn't really divine; at best it was sanctified. And we have no reason to think Jesus was actually born at night. The lines "Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother./And in his name all oppression shall cease." Do we really believe that? Are we obliged, commanded to make sure the oppression ceases? Perhaps, truly, to the extent we can, to the extent it is within our power. See my Advent Reflection 23.
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 wise men 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!
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