I was having lunch with my cousin and felt so moved as I herd the verses of this classic Christmas song bouncing off the walls of a Thai restaurant. The next morning I looked up the words and listened to Dustin Kensure’s rendition of it and put it on repeat. The power of the words where so inspiring and currently relevant. “In Roquemaure at the end of the year 1843, the church organ was recently renovated. To celebrate the event, the parish priest asked Cappeau, native from this town, to write a Christmas poem. Cappeau did it, although being a professed anticlerical and atheist.”[1]Wikipedia I was moved that an atheist had penned these words I hold sacred. There is an invitation to us to be open to more people than those we agree with. Its amazing how limitless our creator is and how his music is realized in all his sons and daughters. I hope you consider sitting with this poem over the next few days. Let the truth of a 19th century atheist penetrate your heart and draw you into the spirit of God. I dig this irony!
O Holy Night Placide Cappeau and John Sullivan Dwight
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our 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! 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.
The God Image 