As Mary and Joseph came into Bethlehem after a long and harrowing journey from Nazareth, Mary began to feel the pangs of imminent child birth. She alerted Joseph. Joseph began a frantic search for room for his wife and the Christ Child, but he was not having any luck. Probably, Mary prayed for help. Help did, in fact, come forth, but it sure didn't seem like much. Not much at all. The help, such as it was, was the offer of the Inn Keeper to make his stable available to the now desperate couple. Mary and Joseph leaped at the offer and made ready a space in the grotto that served as a stable. In that stable, the King of Kings would become a human being.
Mary's labor pains increased in intensity, while the time between the pains decreased. With only Joseph to help, she gave birth. The Christ Child, whom they named Jesus, was born.
Mary and Joseph would not witness the other events which now unfolded around them. An Angel surrounded by a blinding light appeared to Shepherds in the fields surrounding Bethlehem. This Blessed and Holy Being announced to the Shepherds that a Child had been born and could be found laying in a manger in a stable in Bethlehem.
"Behold!" said the Angel, "I bring you Good Tidings of Great Joy. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord. You will find him wrapped in swaddling clothes and laying in a manger."
The instant that the Angel completed his announcement, a multitude of the Heavenly Host appeared with him in the sky. They sang triumphantly to God, praising Him. The Event was, of course, unprecedented, but also immensely glorious. The King of Kings had shown true humility, coming to Earth to save his people. Centuries later, the hymn writer composed this wonderful song:
O Holy Night Lyrics
Christmas Carol Lyrics
Pause Music !
Midi file by kind permission
of E. Halstead
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!
O Holy Night Lyrics
Christmas Carol Lyrics
Would that this message empower all of us to meet in peace and joy and overcome all evil. Merry Christmas!
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