Good morning. I pray that you enjoyed a wonderful Christmas Day!
I try with my thoughts for the day to avoid the political arena. We have plenty of opportunity to voice our opinions with one another regarding the politics of the day, I continue to believe that this forum should be reserved for spiritual insights and concerns. It isn’t always easy, but you would think that for this past week when we have considered many of our favorite hymns of Christmas, politics should be far from our mind. And yet, today, which is the last of these thoughts for the day given to the songs of the season, I would like to have us consider a favorite Christmas hymn that was written with the politics of the day significantly in mind. That hymn is “O Holy Night!”
“O Holy Night!” was written in 1843 by French poet Placide Cappeau. It was set to music in 1847 by Adolphe Adam and the English language version was written by John Sullivan Dwight in 1855. Now for the politics:
In 1794 the French wrote into law that slavery would no longer be an accepted practice in France or among the French possessions. The primary reason for this change of law was not that there had been a sweeping change of heart and understanding regarding the ethics and morality of slavery. Rather, the legal change was to “nip in the bud” a growing rebellion among the slave population in France. French slaves had become inspired to fight for their freedom when they heard of their fellow slaves successfully fighting for freedom in the French possession of Haiti. So, to avoid the bloodshed of a slave revolt, the French passed a law against the practice of slavery. But in spite of the new law, slavery persisted. Those who felt that slavery was vital to the success of their business and farming interests found ways around the laws. It was done “under the table” but the practice continued, especially in the French possessions. To do away with this deplorable activity it became clear that changing the law would need to be aided by a change of heart. This was part of the intention of those who wrote, performed, and shared the words and the music of “O Holy Night!” As you read the lyrics, you will understand what I am referring to as you come to the 3rd verse:
[Verse 1]
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
‘Til He appears 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, O Holy night, O night divine!
[Verse 2]
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 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 weakness is no stranger
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend
[Verse 3]
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
This beautiful Christmas hymn did not, in and of itself, end the blight of slavery, but it helped. The message was carried to America and this hymn became very popular in the abolitionist North during the late 1850s and throughout the Civil War.
The message in verses 1 & 2 is of our joyful expectations being met by the birth of our Christ. The hymn makes our Savior personal, reminding us that He is no stranger to human needs and weaknesses. Jesus understands, and Jesus loves, and Jesus overcomes.
The message of the 3rd verse is aimed at changing the Christian heart. It reminds us that Jesus taught us to love each other. We are reminded that it is His will that there be peace among and between all people. We are reminded that Jesus is the breaker of chains: physical, spiritual, and emotional chains.
We do not face the same political climate as did the Christians of the late 1700s through the mid 1800s, but the words of “O Holy Night!” continue to be meaningful. The need to be reminded that our Christ is the Lord of love, and the conqueror of oppression continues. May we worship our Lord today with hearts dedicated to love, peace, respect, acceptance, and appreciation of one another.
Vern