O night divine, O night when Christ was born!

As my car leaves the paved road I hear the crunch of gravel beneath my tires.

Anticipation and a big red barn greet me against a bright blue sky background. Then as if in harmony with one another the baa-ing of sheep, clucking of chickens and the sweet musky smell of hay bales tell me I have arrived at Christmas at the Barn.

As my church celebrates Christmas Eve in a barn I am transported to a time long ago. A time so different than the one we live in today.

The rustic earthiness of the farm makes me wonder what Mary must have thought on the day in Bethlehem. It was a different kind of anticipation than mine. Because Mary was in expectation of the birth of her sweet baby boy after a long journey.

O night when Christ was born!

For Mary the story was just beginning.

“For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas! To us a child is born!

I often wonder what it would be like to be one of the shepherds on the night of Christ’s birth. There they were, just another night on the job, not expecting anything out of the ordinary and then BAM!

Could you image the sky lighting up with angels proclaiming the birth of the long awaited Savior of the nation! Talk about having a story to tell the grandkids!

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In Luke 2:6-14 it says,

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.

She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you:

You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

One of my favorite Christmas Hymns is “O Holy Night.” I often wonder if we are truly in awe of Christ’s birth, a moment unlike any in history, so majestically heralded by angels.

The chorus says: “Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born!” Do you think the shepherds fell to their knees when they heard the news?

O night when Christ was born

Is this a Christmas of anticipating Jesus, of waiting on him?

Take a moment and read the lyrics to 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 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!

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 evermore proclaim.

Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!

O night divine! O night divine!

Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia
Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia

What about us? Likewise do we fall on our knees at the good news of Christ coming?

Celebrating this Merry Christmas day with all of you!

xoxo Naomi

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