Luke 18:10-14 NASB “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

O Holy Night is my favorite Christmas song. When I really listen to the words, I get chills. But I heard it sung on TV the other night, and the version was just okay. I suggested to my husband maybe it was because the singer wasn’t a believer, and maybe didn’t have the emotional connection with the lyrics that others did. Well he was quick to point out that I didn’t know if they were a believer or not!

Thinking about it later, the Holy Spirit reminded me that God is not available only to the “righteous” (that is, the self-righteous!). The thing that made that night Holy was Christ’s holiness, not mine! I am grateful for Christ’s forgiveness of my sins, and I pray I will be reminded of that truth this Christmas, and every time I hear O Holy Night.

-Kevi

 

O Holy Night

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the 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 soul 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, O holy night, O night divine!

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 pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!

 

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