o holy night {a song diary}

i've been thinking a lot about birth lately... for obvious reasons. and i came across this song which describes the most monumental birth in all of history.  a beautiful picture that i rarely gaze upon but once a year when we break out the christmas tunes.  there is something about old hymns & christmas carols that needs to make a come back.  i'm not quite sure how to articulate it.  they carry a particular beauty & anointing that i have rarely experienced in modern worship songs. such depth & wealth of meaning is offered up.  maybe it's their regality or the old english but i just feel like they put me in my rightful place... before the King of kings.

i highlighted a few lines that felt especially heavy.  enjoy this early ode to christmas {although i like to think i celebrate christmas everyday}!

{o holy night}
o holy night! the stars are brightly shining, it is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
long lay the world in sin & error pining. till He appeared & 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! oh, hear the angel voices! o night divine, the night when Christ was born; o night, o holy night, o night divine! (x2)

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! (x2)

truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love & 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 within us praise His holy name.  Christ is the Lord! then ever, ever praise we, His power & glory ever more proclaim! (x2)

*this is nicole witt's version of o holy night... a little different than the original but i still love it.  crank it up & find a quiet corner to just worship, you'll be changed because of it!