Thoughts
O Holy Night – What Will We Do?
Just some early morning thoughts from me to you…
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.”
Isaiah 9: 2 (ESV)“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world….
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1: 5, 9, 14 (ESV)“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 (ESV)
It was a night beyond any night before or since.
It was a moment for the ages, for all ages, and for all eternity.
A night when a light came into the world that all the darkness of the world could not, and would not, ever overcome.
A night when a light came into our lives which would forever stand ready to light the way ahead.
A night when we remembered that God sent His Son for you and for me.
And because of that, this past Christmas 2023 we proclaimed—O Holy Night.
The night when Christ came for you.
The night when Christ came for me.
O Holy Night. For our lives. For our future. For all we were created to be.
What will we do with it?
What will you do now?
Christmas 2023 reminded us of that night.
That Holy Night, when Christ was born—for you and for me.
We were there with Him as He lay in the manger.
Now what?
What will we do with the light of that night? That Holy Night.
What does God expect from us, as we move into 2024 and the beginning of the rest of our lives.
As we wonder, ponder, imagine, consider, plan, and hope for all we can be in the days and months in this new year, and beyond—let’s embrace the sentiments and direction in the song “O Holy Night” when it shares—
“O holy night! The stars are brightly shining.
It is the night of the dear Savior’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.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices,
O night divine, oh night when Christ was born,
O night divine, oh night, oh night divine…”
Much ahead of us.
Opportunities will abound before us to add value to the lives and world around us. Christ came to lift and encourage us, and to also point the way, to all we can be and do for Him, others and all the world.
And in that Holy Night, came all the Hope we would ever need with Him to move forward, becoming all He created us to be, while helping all those God brings before us, to become all they can be in a relationship with Him.
Maybe we should start here—
“Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices,
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us praise His Holy Name.”
O Holy Night.
Now, what will we do with it.
In His Name–Scott
Be encouraged and inspired by this presentation of “O Holy Night” by the remarkable group Il Divo. Just click the link below—
Recent Thoughts
Veterans – Proud to Remember
As a nation, our thanks will be expressed this coming Sunday, when we will pause to honor those who have served to defend our country in the Armed Forces of the United States of America—our Veterans.
I wonder if our expression of thanks to them should be offered every day.
There is an Absolute Truth
It was an unusual ending to a great game. As a matter of fact, it was apparently the first time a Major League Baseball World Series game had ended with an obstruction call. Not too hard to believe since that situation seldom arises at that level of play.
A Tradition in a Tradition
I headed home with my one-dollar bribe in hand. Lynda met me at the door and beamed at the sight of the two yellow roses which I pushed out toward her with the words “Happy World Series!” She never said a word about the brown paper bag hanging from my other hand.