MONDAY | “O Holy Night”
Monday | “O Holy Night”
Monday, December 15, 2025
Reading For Monday | Isaiah 9:6 | Colossians 3:15-17
“O Holy Night” describes the Christmas event as something holy—set apart, radiant, and world-changing. It is a clear proclamation of the birth of Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. The song includes a host of angels announcing this good news to the shepherds and a star that signals the birth of a King who entered the darkness and brokenness of humanity to seek and save the lost.
Stanza one captures the great tension of the gospel—a world weary under sin suddenly filled with hope as the WORD became flesh and lived among people who were spiritually blind and unable to see: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2). His name is Jesus, the Light of the World!
The moment Christ appears, everything changes—darkness gives way to dawn, despair gives way to joy, and a soul that once felt lost now feels seen, valued, and loved.
This text captures both the tenderness of the manger and the power of salvation:
“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 error 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, oh hear the angel voices,
O night divine, O night when Christ was born.”
Stanza one captures the great tension of the gospel—a world weary under sin suddenly filled with hope as the WORD became flesh and lived among people who were spiritually blind and unable to see: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2). His name is Jesus, the Light of the World!
The moment Christ appears, everything changes—darkness gives way to dawn, despair gives way to joy, and a soul that once felt lost now feels seen, valued, and loved.
This text captures both the tenderness of the manger and the power of salvation:
“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 error 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, oh hear the angel voices,
O night divine, O night when Christ was born.”
Journaling Questions
Reflection is a valuable and helpful tool for spiritual growth. In fact, many wise teachers say it is almost impossible to grow without entering into reflection at some level. Today’s invitation is to ENTER it—preferably with a journal—making a few notes as you consider your responses to the following questions:
- Where have you experienced weariness this year? Over the course of your life? Are you weary right now?
- How does the text of stanza one of “O Holy Night” give you hope?
- “The soul felt its worth.” What helps you remember your worth in Christ? When are you most likely to feel or believe that you are unworthy?
- What difference does it make that Jesus came into our darkness rather than waiting for us to find our own way out?
- How has the light of Christ broken into your life in the past? Where do you need His light to shine brightly right now?
- Notice which line of this stanza resonates most deeply with you, and write a prayer based on that idea.
Prayer Prompt
Offer a prayer like this:
Using the words or imagery from stanza one of “O Holy Night,” pray Isaiah 9:2 over your life. Ask God to let His light dawn in areas that still feel dark or heavy.
Using the words or imagery from stanza one of “O Holy Night,” pray Isaiah 9:2 over your life. Ask God to let His light dawn in areas that still feel dark or heavy.