O Holy Night

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 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. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:8-14 ESV). As I write today’s devotional I am also listening to Pandora Christmas music. Chloe Agnew of the Celtic Woman is singing “O Holy Night” at one of their Christmas concerts (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ-8jYpa1-o). I listen to Christmas music much of the time during December. It just seems to spark a deeper sense of God’s grace in my heart. This particular carol has some interesting history. On Christmas Eve in 1906, Reginald Fessenden, broadcast the first radio program, where he played “O Holy Night” on the violin. Therefore, the carol is the first piece of music to be broadcast on radio. “O Holy Night” (“Cantique de NoÃl”) was set to music by Adolphe Adam in 1847 to the lyrics of a French poem written by Placide Cappeau, a wine merchant and poet. Cappeau had been asked to write a Christmas poem by a parish priest. Another bit of trivia is that it was originally was composed in French and yet the English translation rhymes. The music is so overpowering in its beauty that we sometimes fail to notice the perfection of the lyrics. As you listen to the video contemplate the wonder and blessing of the birth of Jesus. Here are the lyrics to help in your meditation: Oh 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, Till He appear’d 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! Oh, hear the angels’ voices! Oh night divine, Oh night when Christ was born; Oh night divine, Oh night, Oh night Divine.