O Holy Night
CCCAG Christmas Eve 2023
-Scripture: John 1:5, Luke 2:8, Isaiah 9:6, Luke 2:11, John 8:12, John 3:16
Introduction:
Have people say their Favorite Christmas Carols
I love them all, but if I had to pick one that will always make my heart sing, it’s O Holy Night. To me, that encapsulates the entire night- the meaning, the worship, and the human response to the incredible birth of Jesus-
our Lord, God, Savior and King.
Let’s further explore this thought by looking at the opening line to his famous hymn
“O Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining…”
As we gather on the morning before this sacred night, let us reflect upon the profound message embedded within this timeless carol, a message that echoes through the ages and resonates deep within our souls.
Let’s first consider the world that Jesus was born into.
1. Darkness and Despair
The bible gives us a glimpse into the world and the time that Jesus was born.
In the Gospel of John 1:5, we read, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." (John 1:5).
The world into which Christ was born was one of profound darkness.
In many ways, it was marked by Despair, oppression, and hopelessness overshadowed the hearts of many. Israel had been conquered yet again by another nation. Over the last few centuries, their role as the world superpower had come crashing down.
First the Assyrians conquered the Northern Kingdom Israel, then the Babylonians conquered Assyria and then the southern kingdom of Judah.
Then the Persian Empire sprain up and conquered the Babylonians, again taking control of the territory of what was once Israel.
Then Alexander the Great led his armies through that area, claiming it for Greece. Then about 60 years before the birth of Jesus, Rome came along and conquered the entire western world, creating an empire that lasted for a 1000 years which included the area formally known as Israel.
The people were living in the darkness of the oppression they faced under all of these pagan empires.
Some of this might Sound familiar?
We are starting to experience that in our world today- where evil is rampant and seemingly all pervasive.
Yet, on this Holiest of Nights, we have the same hope that they did- that a light will shine in the darkness, and drive it back to the hell it came from.
We have this hope because we know God keeps HIS promises-
We are reminded of this during this time of the year as we celebrate the coming of our Savior.
That’s why this night, this holy night was a: ________________________________________
2. A Night Like No Other,
(Luke 2:8)"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.".
I love that God chose the shepherds to be the first ones to hear of the birth of HIS son.
Shepherds were the lowest class of people during the time in history. No one wanted to live near a shepherd, they were from the seedy area of town.
They were the poorest of the poor,
the smelliest of the smelly,
and just uncouth, unmannered, and the kind of people that the “Good” people avoided at all costs.
The fact that the first ones to hear of Jesus’ birth was these people shows us that there is no favoritism in God’s house.
The fact that God chose the shepherds to be the first to hear of HIS sons both shows us the fullness of the Gospel message that no matter who you are, what race you are, which gender you were born with, or if you were rich or poor, slave or free, the same Gospel message and offer of salvation is just as open to you as it is anyone else.
On this Holy Night, God proclaimed that all people are precious in HIS sight, and this message of salvation was for all people regardless of what society may think of them.
Remember that before you judge someone as not worthy of your time, your love, your compassion, or your mercy.
I think the greatest surprise many will face when they pass heaven’s gates is who will be there, and who won’t.
After all-
On this Holy Night, God did not go to the religious elite to announce his birth
He didn’t inform Caesar in Rome, or Herod the Great in Judah.
He didn’t go to the local synagogue leaders, and didn’t even tell the church board.
A modern way of saying it would be to say that God went to the hood and told the people on the wrong side of the tracks the amazing news that Christ the Savior had been born.
This Holy night also shows us a-________________________________________
3. The Divine Intervention
Isaiah 9:6 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
The birth of Jesus was not a mere coincidence; it was a divine intervention, a testament to God's unfathomable love for humanity.
In a world marred by sin and separation, God sent His only Son to bridge the gap and reconcile us to Himself.
It wasn’t just the world of 1st century Palestine, it was for us today as well.
Our world isn’t very different than the one Jesus was born into.
Sure, we have better technology, but do we have a better understanding of what is really important?
Do we have a better eternal perspective on the way we live?
No…if anything our technology has blinded us to what is really important.
Our world has shrunk to a 5 inch screen that we stare at all day.
That’s why God set a wonderful counselor to teach us what is important.
Many of us are growing increasingly fearful of the evil that is sweeping our nation and our planet.
Some might be losing sleep worrying about the wickedness that is rising at breathtaking speed?
It seems like we are standing at the seashore watching a mile high tidal wave roaring toward us and have nowhere left to run.
That’s why Jesus came as a mighty God. He stands between us and that wave, protecting us from it’s affects.
Jesus gathers His people into His arms so we can know we will be eternally protected against the enemies attacks.
But even more than that-
The bible warns us in the last days that men’s hearts will fail them for fear. All of this evil, rewriting of morality, and the crucifixion of common sense and decency is the result of an injection of fear from the kingdom of darkness into our world.
That’s why the Prince of Peace has come- to save those who would trust in Him and give them an everlasting peace.
That is why on this Holy Night Jesus became a light for all of us________________________________________
5. Embracing the Light
John 8:12 "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.'" (John 8:12).
The significance of "O Holy Night" is not merely in the birth of Christ but in the invitation it extends to each one of us—to embrace the light, to walk in the path of righteousness, and to experience the transformative power of His love.
In the last week, there was a lot of news about another Christian denomination inching toward changing its historical teaching about the sanctity and definition of what a marriage is.
With all of the media, most of our schools and universities, our employers, and some of our dearest friends and family giving into the darkness,
the pressure to conform to the ways of this world is growing increasingly intense and hard to stand against.
During this time that it seems like the darkness is winning, Jesus reminds us that HE IS THE LIGHT.
Whenever the darkness grows around you- speak Jesus to it.
Whenever the pressure builds for you to compromise- just say Jesus and let his light shine into it.
Whenever the world threatens you, hates you, and reviles you for Jesus’ sake, remember you are blessed in HIS sight.
Keep speaking His name, Stand firm for Him and HIS truth and the bible promises that the darkness will never triumph against His mighty name and the light it brings.
On this Holy Night God calls us to a time of
6. Reflection and Renewal
As we immerse ourselves in Christmas season, let us not merely be listeners but remember that if you are a follower of Jesus, you are a participant in this divine narrative.
God did not call us out of the darkness to sit, He called all of us to serve. The church is not supposed to be a monument to the past, but a hospital for the sin sick,
A hospital that takes the sinner, introduces them to Jesus, let’s his blood wash away their sin, and make them a saint that serves in HIS Kingdom.
When Jesus said he goes to prepare a place for us, he wasn’t just talking about a mansion to rest in for eternity, but a position that you will serve in. He promises that we will rule and reign with HIM forever, and that preparation for that position is happening right now!
So let us allow the message of Christmas penetrate to our hearts, prompting us to introspect, repent, and recommit our lives to Him who gave Himself for us.
Then we can share in the
7. The Eternal Promise
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16).
The birth of Jesus was the dawn of a new beginning, a promise of eternal life for all who believe. As we celebrate Christmas, let us be reminded of this eternal promise, a promise that transcends the temporal and offers us hope beyond the confines of this world.
The call of Christmas is a call to humility, reverence, and surrender. As we stand on the threshold of another Christmas, Let us ask God- give us the heart of a child again.
Let us approach the manger with awe and wonder, recognizing the profound significance of that "O Holy Night" -when heaven touched earth and eternity intersected with time.
And as we marvel again at God becoming a baby, let us respond as the hymn says-
"Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!"
Play-
Oh Holy Night
May the message of Christmas fill our hearts with joy, peace, and gratitude, and may we, like the shepherds of old, glorify and praise God for all that He has done for us.
