What Christmas Means To Me- The Night Divine

This year with Christmas quickly approaching, and I in the Christmas spirit at long last, asked my husband if he had a favorite Christmas carol. To no surprise, I heard his usual, "You know I don't like Christmas music spiel" and realized he wasn't going to erupt into a chorus of Jingle Bells with me anytime soon. But I, still curious, and still in high Christmas spirit, asked a few others. After varying responses I came to the understanding that what I was asking was a more difficult question that I had anticipated. With so many choices, I might as well had asked someone 'what was their favorite food' or 'which band did they prefer'. For what ever reason (whether it be boredom, attention deficits, etc.)I spend a great amount of time thinking about things like this, and I have thought a lot about this particular question.
I can say, without a doubt, that my favorite Christmas carol is "O Holy Night". It's composition is delicate, yet powerful, and it is as deep as it is beautiful. I love it. I wish that I had a great singing voice (hey, I'd even take a mediocre one) so that I could belt this one out(Sometimes I do anyway, when no one is around). To me, the lyrics sum up what Christmas is all about: HOPE.
Here are the words:
O HOLY NIGHT
written by Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure
Composed by Adolphe Charles Adams

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is 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 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 ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

I love the distinctness of each verse and the messages they carry respectively.
The first verse describes the sorrows of the world and it's longing for a savior, and the joy when at long last He arrives! His birth means life, light, and worth for our souls. We rejoice because we no longer have to live in our darkness and shame! We now have the joy of "a new and glorious morn" no matter where we were before.

The second verse tells of the relationship between the world and it's Savior. He is our humble King, who is our friend in all things, yet he is holy, and worthy of our praise.

And finally, the third verse. (my favorite) This verse reminds us of our purpose. This is why he died for us and what he wants us to do as we live for him. To love one another as he loves us and as we love him. "His law is love, and his gospel is peace". I think we forget that more than anything else. Christmas is about putting away the weapons we pick up against each other all the time. It means forgiving those who cross us, and uniting in His love that is big enough to swallow us all up!

I hope this song's message of hope and beauty touches your heart in some small way (even if you do hate Christmas music!), because I just looove it :)

Anyway, there is my two cents. Merry Christmas, everyone!