I grew up in a home surrounded by music; over the holidays, records, cassette tapes, and festive CDs were constantly being played – if Mom wasn’t sitting at the piano making her own music. Year after year I fell asleep to the sound of her playing Christmas carols in the living room.
Music was a big part of our household ethos and for over two decades I sang Oh Holy Night as an annual solo in church. That’s a lot of stars brightly shining and falling on knees. Not surprisingly, I’m a bit burned out on this classic.
But one line will forever stand as an all-time favourite lyric: A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices…
If the world has ever felt weary, is it not now? It feels like the whole planet is groaning under the weight of grief, horrors of war, natural and political catastrophes, and underpinning it all – unspeakable pain.
But there is hope. A thrilling, life-changing hope. A hope that can’t – and won’t – make sense without a personal encounter with Jesus.
One of my favourite hyms is Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. It’s not a Christmas song, but I think the lyrics tie in with Oh Holy Night perfectly:
Oh soul are you weary and troubled,
No light in the darkness you see
There’s light for a look at the Saviour
And life more abundant and free.
Noel, Noel
Come and see what God has done
Noel, Noel
The story of amazing love!
The light of the world, given for us
Noel.
Noel (Chris Tomlin/Lauren Daigle)
It’s Christmas Adam. Time to dim the lights, sing carols in front of the fire and, for a day or two (hopefully more), drown out the noise from phones and e-mail accounts and remember:
Come, though you have nothing.
Come, He is the offering.
Come, see what your God has done.
Oh Come All Ye Unfaithful (Sovereign Grace Music)
Come and see what God has done indeed.
A few times a year I use this blog space to share my faith and, aside from Easter, I can think of no more important time to tell you about My Jesus, who can be Your Jesus, too. He came for you and for me and not only is He the Offering, He is the Gift.
Merry Christmas! However you celebrate, I hope it is a truly wonderful time. If you are in a season of pain and loss, I wish for peace and moments of simple joy.
Header photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
Jenny
Elisabeth, I love that line too. I also grew up in a house full of music, and my sister and I both played instruments (trumpet for me, flute for her.). One Christmas when we were in high school we were at our Grandparent’s house. My Grandmother asked us if we would play something for the church Christmas Eve service- being in our sullen teenager phase, neither of us wanted to, but I (reluctantly) agreed, so I played O Holy Night and my mom accompanied me on piano. I did it purely as a good deed, but afterwards my Grandmother thanked me and gave me a $20 bill- and my sister was mad she missed out (well, YOU could have played too, you know!)
It’s funny that we both have memories of performing this song in church!
Thanks for this beautiful post.
Joy
Oh, I love this carol so much and yes, it fits perfectly with Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (a favorite of mine, too, especially when I’m weary in body, soul, and mind).
Your Jesus is my Jesus, too,and I am ever grateful to Him for coming to earth to save His people. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Kate
So many memories wrapped up in Christmas music! O Holy Night is one of my favourites, too. I also love singing the alto line in Angels We Have Heard on High — the “glooo-o-o-o-ria” is such fun 🙂 The church I attended growing up had a Christmas Eve service where the carols were interspersed with piano and violin performances by the kids, and it was so festive and fun. Last year we had a few families over for New Year’s Eve and spent some of the time having an impromptu singalong in the living room: the friends who came were all professional musicians so we had someone on the piano, someone on the organ, and 2 or 3 part harmony for the singing (as well as lots of noise from kids!). It was just perfect.
Merry Christmas to you and your family!!
Lisa’s Yarns
I love that phrase of that song, too. The world really is a weary world these days. It can wear a person down thinking about the pain and sadness. 🙁 But there is beauty and comfort and joy. You just have to look for it.
NGS
Merry Christmas Adam! I hope this holiday season is bringing you much joy and happiness.
Shelly
Thank you for sharing messages of home. Those are some of my favourites as well and very needed now.
I hope you enjoy some peace and joy.
Marcia (OrganisingQueen)
I cried at that line tonight in church. Every year I think “why am I so tired” and then I remember the world is weary for Him.
Merry Christmas – I’m enjoying reading your blog since Sarah linked to you a few weeks ago.
Marcia from South Africa
Maria
Merry Christmas! Christ is born!