The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth

Long lay the world
in sin and error pining
‘Till 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 angel voices
O night divine
O night when Christ was born”

THIS is the story of Christmas. THIS is the meaning of Christmas.

Jesus came into this world as the world was overwhelmed by sin, darkness and error.

Isaiah 9:1-7
“Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.

The people who walk in darkness
    will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness,
    a light will shine.

You will enlarge the nation of Israel,
    and its people will rejoice.
They will rejoice before you
    as people rejoice at the harvest
    and like warriors dividing the plunder.

For you will break the yoke of their slavery
    and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders.
You will break the oppressor’s rod,
    just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian.

The boots of the warrior
    and the uniforms bloodstained by war
will all be burned.
    They will be fuel for the fire.

For a child is born to us,
    a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
    And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His government and its peace will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.
 The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!”

Wonderful Counselor.
Mighty God.
Everlasting Father.
Prince of Peace.
Jesus will rule with fairness and justice.

O holy night
O night when Christ was born!

Merry Christmas, may you deeply know Christ as hope, as ruler over your life and the love that endures forever!