By Ashley McIlwain

Christmas is an ideal opportunity to reflect on life – the years past and the years yet to come. Sometimes those reflections come with delight of memories made and anticipation for the future. Other times these thoughts are filled with painful realities and fear of what’s to come. And others may feel so swamped that the thought of pausing for pensiveness is laughable.

Everyone feels differently about Christmas as well as taking inventory of events gone by. What I’ve found is that life is unpredictable. It’s filled with joys and sorrows, wonderment and frustration, pain and ecstasy, hope and discouragement. A long time ago I gave up on asking, “Why?” In exchange, I’ve learned to be content and hold steadfast to my faith in Jesus Christ.

Christmas, whether you believe so or not, is the most wonderful time of the year. It brings joy, hope, and love to any and every life and situation. We were given the ultimate gift of salvation by the most loving and powerful God when we were least deserving. John 10:10 says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

We all need the message of Christmas to dwell deep within our very souls to give us hope, joy, and the purpose of life. One way I fill my mind and heart with these promises is through songs that profess them. O Holy Night is just that type of song. Each year this song fills my heart, mind, and soul with the truth and miracle of Christmas. May it do the same for you.

I’ve included a video of my favorite version of the song as well as the lyrics with my favorite lines bolded.

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O’er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, 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 he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

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Author : Ashley McIlwain

Ashley McIlwain, M.A., is a Marriage and Family Therapist, speaker, and writer. She is the founder and C.E.O. of the non-profit organization, Foundation Restoration, and blog LittleWifey.com, which are comprehensive resources committed to restoring the very foundation of society – marriage. She is committed to and passionate about helping relationships thrive. In the past Ashley worked with Moody Publishers and Dr. Gary Chapman as Managing Editor to launch and develop a website focused on premarital preparation. Ashley holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University and a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University. Currently she and her husband, Steve, reside in Southern California.