It's the night of our dear Savior's birth

Well, it's the eve of the night

Tonight, many children around the world go to sleep awaiting a visit from a giant red-attired elf. Others experience no such anticipation. A little over 2000 years ago, some shepherds keeping their sheep expected nothing but a quiet night, with the silence perhaps broken by some bleating or a predator. They did not expect an announcement from angels. O Holy Night indeed!

Tonight we prepare to celebrate the coming of Immanuel, God with us, who came to live among His creation, live the sinless life we could not, and serve as our atoning sacrifice, or as John the Baptist put it: “Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) As the song says, “He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger.”

No longer is there need to “lay in sin and error pining.” You can be set free. Let your soul feel its worth. Taste the “thrill of hope.” “Behold your King; before Him lowly bend.” Believe in Him. Receive Him. “Fall on your knees” and “praise His name forever!” Jesus is Lord of lords and King of kings, and He wants you in His Kingdom.

May you encounter the real blessing of Christmas this year, that of the greatest gift ever given or received - the gift of salvation!