We sang this hymn in church today.  In the wake of Friday morning’s massacre of a first-grade class of school children, the meaning of “O Holy Night” made me cry like a baby.  (Never mind my husband’s running joke that I cry at road kill.)

Jesus was born into the very same dark world.  When Jesus was born, a very sick man- his name was “King Herod”- was out to kill every first-born son and potential usurper of the crown.

There’s something mysterious about the fact that light becomes more visible in the darkness.  What is it about the darkness that helps us see the light?  What is it about light that causes us to know we’re in darkness?

Christmas is about the kind of light that shines only because of the power and presence of a God who comes to us.

Christmas is a promise that the light shall not be overcome.

O Holy Night, sung here by musical child prodigy Jackie Evancho, reminds me of this truth when at times like these it’s so easy to forget:

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 wisemen 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!