Written by: Sophia Roman
Article source: JOY! Magazine
“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them.” – Luke 2:8, NLT
When asked what my favourite Christmas song is, a number of tunes flicker through my mind: “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, “Silent Night”, “Mary, Did You Know?” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” all top the list. But the one that never grows old and gives me sweet chills every time I hear it is “O Holy Night”. When I sing or hear the part “fall on your knees”, it is as if my knees topple in obedience. “O Holy Night” has always been my favourite Christmas song. I actually play it throughout the year, because its message is so powerfully hopeful.
The wonder of that night
The origins of this beloved song are fascinating. The year was 1847 in a French village, and the local priest made an unusual request of the local wine seller and poet, Placide Cappeau. On a bumpy carriage ride to the French capital, Cappeau, not knowing where else to start, opened to Luke 2 and stepped into the wonder of that night. He imagined the emotions and miracles he might have seen.
Where this year finds you
How is this year ending for you? I don’t know where you may find yourself in this Christmas season. You might be exhausted, elated, content, expectant, dejected, entitled, numb, neutral, invincible, shocked, etc. Perhaps you’ve enjoyed victory again and again. Perhaps you were hit by the shrapnel of someone’s selfish agenda.
Hope that still hovers
No matter where you may find yourself this Christmas season, we can all embrace the same hope that hovered over Bethlehem so many Christmases ago. The wonder of that night – the holy night – is still on the horizon while working, resting, waiting, and hoping. Let us count our blessings and be grateful for Christmas, thanking the Father for breaking into our darkness with His heavenly light.
Magnify His Name
Whatever the different spaces we find ourselves in, together we carry the same hope that bloomed and hung over Bethlehem. Be gentle with each other, and let us magnify God’s great Name above the mess. O holy night – I still stand in awe of the wonder of that night. “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isa 9:6).
O Holy Night
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and e’er pining
‘Til 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 angels voices.
O night divine O night when Christ was born
O night divine, O night, O night divine.
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.
O night divine, O night, O night divine.
This article is featured in the December issue of JOY! Magazine. Read a digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za
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Date published: 24/12/2025
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only.
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