o holy night.

I was little, and it was Christmas. After dinner, my grandpa called all his grandkids around him. I sat on his knee. He put his arm around me, and told my cousin to fetch a book out of the china cabinet. We knew which one--we had read it before. The entire dining table hushed.

It was the Christmas story. A story that amazed me then and still amazes me now. 

This is the greatest story ever told--a story that has been told for centuries upon centuries and that will continue to be told into the eternities.

It's a story of a babe who was born and laid into a manger. A story of a babe who grew up to become the Savior of the world. A story that changed the fate of the world forever. A story that gives meaning to my existence. It's a miracle- the biggest miracle of all. It's this story. You've heard it before.

Luke 2:4-14

4) And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6) And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7) And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8) And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9) And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10) And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12) And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

I still remember feeling like I was part of something bigger. I remember blowing the candle out on Jesus' birthday cake. I remember being completely happy. I still am. I've been blessed. 


O Holy Night is probably my favorite Christmas song. This arrangement is quite different from the traditional one, but I love it. It's still so hopeful, so joyful, so wonder-filled. 

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
-Isaiah 9:6