Recently. a friend posed the question on her social media: What is your favorite Christmas song, and the most meaningful line? By far, the majority of the responses were O Holy Night and a variety of the lines. I have to admit, it is by far my most favorite Christmas song. The history of this hymn is that it was originally written in French by Adolphe Adam in 1847 titled Cantique de Noel, in honor of new stained glass windows installed at a local church. In 1855 it was translated into English by Unitarian Priest, John Sullivan Dwight, it is this version most sung today. There are several stories of supernatural events that occurred as this hymn was sung. Research them, perhaps you will discover a deeper meaning for the words. I know I did.
What struck me most this year is the phrase "A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn". 2020 has us weary doesn't it? So many are struggling with their last bit of hope for a new and glorious morn. Well House Ministry certainly struggles to hold on to the last thread of hope that the Healing Spa will actually become a reality. Our hearts ache as we see the anger, harsh words, lies, persecution, and fear that has overtaken friends, neighbors, family members, co-workers, all around the world. These are the tools satan uses to steal, kill and destroy God's people and their destiny. The healing of these things is at the heart of Well House Ministry's Healing Spa plan. This healing can truly bring a new and glorious morn to all the peoples of the earth! Jesus is our healer!
On this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, make time to rejoice for this year. Struggles, trials and rest make us stronger. Look around you and within you. Seek out Emmanuel - God with us, Jesus our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Then celebrate, joyfully celebrate for that new and glorious morn is on the horizon, I can feel it - can you? Hold tightly to the thrill of hope!
Lord, we know that in your perfect timing breakthrough the desire of our heart will happen, but right now we are weary, we struggle to have faith-filled hope. Open the storehouses of heaven we pray and pour out blessings and provision, that people may be healed is the longing cry of our heart. Tonight, as we remember this holiest of nights when you sent us Your son to show is Your Kingdom, may all that is within us PRAISE YOUR HOLY NAME! Amen
O Holy Night - Adolphe Adam/John Sullivan Dwight
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour'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! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from the Orient land.
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, to our weaknesses 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 shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
His power and glory evermore proclaim.m.