Let’s continue our study of the hymn O Holy Night! If you missed the first one, head back and find Part 1.
[Verse 1, part 2]
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, O Holy night, O night divine.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
Upon experiencing the gift of redemption the world is thrilled with hope! The world has been waiting for redemption so long it is tired and weary. Can you imagine waiting and waiting and waiting for the promised Messiah and NOW he has come? What else would the world do except respond with joyful praise?!
Fall on your knees; O hear the Angel voices!
When do we fall to our knees? When we are most broken, most vulnerable, most grateful, most awestruck, most celebratory. The posture of being on your knees communicates humility, surrender, and thanksgiving – exactly how we should come before the living God!
Can you imagine what it sounded like to hear the Angels rejoicing at Jesus’ birth? Have you ever seen someone so excited that they burst in to song? I can just picture a multitude of giddy Angels gathering in heaven with anxious expectation saying, “You guys! It is almost time! Can you believe it? It is finally here! Let’s do this!”
O night divine, O night when Christ was born. O night, O holy night, O night divine.
The definition of holy is exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness. Adolphe Adams (hymn composer) consecrates the entire night as one in which entire devotion is due. When divinity became humanity a sacred miracle took place!
Have you been experiencing the weariness of the world? What brings you to your knees in humility, surrender and thanksgiving? Are you able to rejoice with HOPE this Christmas? What do you consider holy?
Be sure to come back tomorrow for the next portion of O Holy Night!