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| Source: Artist Unknown |
I was a little girl when I first heard the moving carol O Holy Night. I wouldn't doubt from that first note I loved the music -- I remember feeling something sweet swell up on the inside in response to those voices soaring over such wondrous notes. I would never forget it.
Recently I'd asked my brother, David, if he'd share a meditation guest post here on my blog. He didn't have the time to work on something but he did offer to share a link to a moving Advent meditation he wrote for another publication; the piece is called Echos of Immanuel. When I went to read the online article, there was an accompanying illustration of the Mother and Child done by Megan Peters that is quite beautiful -- it included a phrase from this carol that I can't get out of my head or my heart now.
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"A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices..."
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Some days we almost fall beneath the weight of the world's woes, the sorrows of people near and far, our own personal burdens. Yet there comes this timely reminder for me that God is with us in the midst of these hard places. We don't have to carry these burdens ourselves. When we ask, God, where are you in all this? there comes the thrill of hope as He sweetly reminds us that one of the names given him, according to ancient texts, is Immanuel "God with us". Oh yes, I don't have to do this alone anymore.
On this last Sunday of Advent, I offer my brother's thoughtful article along with that lovely illustration as my little present to you. Click here to find it. I hope if you are one who follows Him, you will know your own thrill of hope. To be able to shuck off the weariness and let Joy be your strength.
For we have a Party to celebrate in just a few more sleeps. In the legend, Santa Claus comes once a year and goes back to the North Pole, but Immanuel came to stay. God with Us. I feel a thrill of hope.
For we have a Party to celebrate in just a few more sleeps. In the legend, Santa Claus comes once a year and goes back to the North Pole, but Immanuel came to stay. God with Us. I feel a thrill of hope.
And, if you have time, here's a lovely short video with Josh Groban singing O Holy Night. If you like this carol, you'll probably love this rendition of it.
Here's wishing you a beautiful Sunday...
With love,
Brenda
xox
Lovely thoughts, Brenda, as we prepare for this holy celebration. Your dear brother's article is very inspiring and soothing to the world weary mind. Many blessings xo Karen
ReplyDeleteI love this carol so much! We sang it at our carol service at church and I just had to sing, not play my flute- I always used to sing it at Midnight service on Christmas eve!
ReplyDeleteThe words are wonderful!x
This is one of the loveliest carols.
ReplyDeleteWas it only in 2015 that I discovered your blog, Brenda? I'm so glad I did. I love coming here. Your writing is beautiful and there wisdom and gentleness here that warm my heart. Happy holidays to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Brenda, you write so eloquently, I did so enjoy the words and message behind your post.
ReplyDeleteI have never felt so moved by the majestic Gift from God that is the coming of Christ as I do this Christmas. You, and your brother's article summed it up perfectly. I do feel that thrill!
Happy Christmas!
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Brenda, you write so eloquently, I did so enjoy the words and message behind your post.
ReplyDeleteI have never felt so moved by the majestic Gift from God that is the coming of Christ as I do this Christmas. You, and your brother's article summed it up perfectly. I do feel that thrill!
Happy Christmas!
X
Dear Brenda your brother's message was wonderful. I have always loved the thought that" God is with us". Josh Groban did a superb job with this so loved hymn. For those of us in Him it is such a lovely time of the year. Thank you for this beautiful post. Wishing you that special wonder that comes when we celebrate our Saviour' s birth. Xo xo Debbie: :
ReplyDeleteI'm catching up on blog posts in between baking and cooking. How timely is this message, which echoes my own, written this morning, as I thought of so many who ache under the load of this broken world. Thank you.
ReplyDelete