O Holy Night

Each of us enjoy hobbies that help to pass the time.  Some sew, some read and some would rather ‘play.’  Some like to walk and talk while others like to sing.  But for some, writing is their favorite.  Self publishers and bloggers are evidence of the fact.  But this isn’t a new found favorite.  In 1847, the mayor of Roquemaure, France enjoyed writing poetry, and from his pen he wrote a gentle song inspired by the gospel of John in the 3rd chapter.  His poem, O Holy Night has come to be recognized as a song of inspiration and love during the Christmas season.  Why…
“for God so loved the world that He gave His only Son!”

The song captures the essence of ‘the night’ as we read Luke 2:8, ‘In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.’  Reading the message that was sung by the angels we envision Placide Clappeau, our author, calling the listener to “Fall on your knees, and to (O) hear the angel voices!”  The scripture never alludes to the shepherds taking this humble position (bowing their knees), but knowing they “…came in a hurry…’ to see the new baby and ‘went back glorifying and praising God…” would make it safe to conclude they might have surely fallen to their knees.

December is almost half gone, but we continue to look at the rich meaning surrounding these favorite songs of the season.  This “Christmas Song of the Day”…O Holy Night.