“SILENT NIGHT, HOLY NIGHT”

Dearly Beloved, “SILENT NIGHT, HOLY NIGHT” “And [Mary] brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night” (Luke 2:7-8 NKJV). Undoubtedly, one of the most loved and most sung hymns during Christmas season is “SILENT NIGHT, HOLY NIGHT”. Though highly romanticized, the story of the hymn is one of the most endearing and enduring in Christian hymnody. Joseph Mohr (1792-1848) composed the hymn in German, and John F. Young (1820-1885) translated it to English. Circumstances brought Mohr (who was a Catholic priest of humble background) and Franz Gruber (1787-1863) (an organist also of humble background) together as friends. The hymn was composed because Mohr needed a carol for worship. Mohr had written a poem some years back. He brought the poem to Gruber who set it to music immediately. That evening in 1818 at Midnight Mass, Gruber led the congregation at St. Nicholas (their church) in the first rendition of “Silent Night”. Although the popular hymn has gone through various versions as it is been widely translated to many languages from its original German, yet, the essence of the hymn and what inspired the composer to compose the hymn are still maintained in the various versions of the hymn. According to history, Joseph Mohr initially composed the poem that was later set to music when he was meditatively walking around on a hilltop and he looked down on the silent peaceful snow-covered village. The scenario reminded him of a calm and bright silent night, and the wonder of a tender and mild newborn Child born by a virgin as recorded in Luke 2. He reflected on the shepherds that trembled at the sight of angels that brought the news of the Christ the Savior that was born and sang “Alleluia to our King.” The silent and holy night revealed the Son of God with radiant beams from His holy face with His birth bringing the dawn of redeeming grace. Joseph Mohr concluded his reflection with an appeal to people that they should now join the angels to sing, “Christ the Savior is born!” Yes! “Christ the Savior is born!” He was born at “...the fullness of the time... to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:4-5 NKJV). That is everlasting news. The event is being celebrated every year with the name “Christmas”. Regardless of your view about the celebration, the event of the birth of Jesus on that silent and holy night should have eternal impart on your life. “[Jesus Christ] came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:11-13 NKJV). Have you believed in His name? Have you been redeemed by His blood? I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year (2020) in advance. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that the coming of Jesus Christ on that silent and holy night will have eternal impart on your life.