What is your most treasured Christmas carol? Which one stirs an intensity of emotion or strikes the richest chord of deep dwelling memories?
Almost without fail, every time I sing, "O Little Town of Bethelem," I am reminded of my teacher's voice telling us to not wave at our parents in the audience. Some of my earliest memories of Christmas traditions past come from elementary school Christmas programs replete with the excitement and nervousness of standing in front of 100s and believing everyone was scrutinizing my every move--never mind that they probably never saw me since each and every parent had eyes for only their child.
And, "Joy To The World," is now always accompanied with a recent memory of discovering that said song wasn't written for the Christmas season, but was simply written as a worship song. Read the words afresh and be lead in worship.
Today I did not hear the music, but saw only the words for, "O Holy Night." I read it in someone else's blog post as they included the lyrics. This has long been the song which diverts my heart from regular beat and causes a momentary skip, then a deep breath and a moving reverence for my Lord. But, today He illuminated a new reason to cherish this piece as a line stood out above the rest, almost as if I'd never heard it before.
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 appeared and the soul felt it’s 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
The bold, underlined phrase took my breath away this morning. "Til He appeared and the soul felt it's worth." The soul FELT it's WORTH. Without Him I am not aware of my true worth. Without Him many live, but do they truly FEEL their worth?
Value of the person may be stated as intrinsic, but truthfully it cannot actually be intrinsic without that value being given by the Creator Who is loving, compassionate, present, and Savior. As humans our behavior often betrays a carefully presented persona. Behavior focused on being fulfilled with people, things, titles and reward, speaks of a soul longing for value-infused return on their constant investment of energy for self-preservation.
There is no need to strive for value, fulfillment, or security for He appeared and forever more each soul can feel it's worth. Unfortunately, not every soul chooses to believe this truth.
You are worth His humble appearance as an infant. You are worth His shed blood. You are worth the Father's unwavering love and unfailing compassion and justice.
Your soul is sought after by the Creator of the Universe. Yield to His open arms of love and feel your worth.
