What thrills your heart? French author, Placide Cappeau, wrote Minuit Chrétiens (meaning Midnight Christians) in 1847. It was translated into English several years later and became what we know as “Oh Holy Night”.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
Placide Cappeau, “Oh Holy Night”
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
O night, O Holy night, O night divine!
What fascinates me about this song is the excitement it carries. What do I get excited about? What do you get excited about? The mood is contagious. We are a weary people. Stress, health, financial issues, isolation, family strife… the list of reasons to be weary can seem endless. In the face of this adversity, it seems there is little reason to be excited. But this song contains a simple fact which can change our perspective. Simply, we can rejoice. There is hope. In fact, the writer calls it a thrill. This Christmas, take time to reflect on the thrill that God brought us through the birth of Jesus. Without Jesus there would be no hope. Remember this as you spend time with family and may it excite your heart and cause your burdens to be lifted.
