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Wasn’t sure if I could keep up the pace of blogging each day in Advent, especially with all of the busy-ness of life around this time of year. But, it’s been fun to explore different thoughts on Advent and on seeking God, and sharing what others have to say on the topic. So far, so good.
The topic today is “Holy.”
A book reviewer misspelled my name in a blog post, typing “Holy” instead of “Holly.” She apologized. I said: “I’m trying to be Holy, but one extra letter in my name keeps me from it.
Well…maybe it’s more than one letter.
It’s tough being Holy and keeping the “Holiness” of the season in the forefront, especially this time of year when we should.
And it just seems like the “unholy”is having a heyday. Last night, the news reported yet another murder in Kansas City and the reporter spoke about the rash of crime during this season…that it was typical.
Last week we dealt with an onslaught of the unholy at the church (theft, unholy actions from addicts, and other crazy stuff). The struggles we and loved ones are having makes you wonder (and not in a good “Christmas wonder” kind of way).
But ultimately, THIS IS A HOLY TIME! And we should never let anything steal our hope and joy…after all, this is the time we celebrate the greatest gift given to mankind-Jesus Christ, our Savior.
My favorite Christmas song is O Holy Night. May favorite line from that song is…
Long lay the world in sin and e’er pining
‘Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth
THE SOUL FELT IT’S WORTH! WOW!
If only we could truly and always feel the worth of our soul, as God does. All we really have to do is look to the cross…then we would know. But the unholy always tries to steal away our self-worth. Time. And. Again.
May we all turn away from the unholy that assaults us and feel the worth of our souls this Christmas season and always.
God, our Loving Father, knows our worth…and HE is ALL HOLY. He sent us Jesus to redeem us. He gave us the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom. Nothing can take away from the Holiness of The Trinity and God’s great love for us. NOTHING!
Today, on Facebook, a friend posted a rendition of O Holy Night by Josh Groban, set to scenes from The Nativity Story. It’s amazing and helps us keep the holiness of the season in perspective.
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 e’er pining
‘Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees O hear the angels voices.
O night divine O night when Christ was born
O night divine, O night, O night divine.
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
O night divine, O night, O night divine
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