Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2021

I just wanted to take a moment to extend my sincere best wishes to my faithful readers for a very Merry Christmas and a safe, healthy and happy New Year 2021.

This year has been incredibly challenging for most and the best we can do is hope that 2021 will bring calm to the chaos that has plagued us (no pun intended) over the last year.

I think this is an appropriate time to read the words of this very poignant Christmas song and remember the true reason why we celebrate Christmas.

“O Holy Night" is originally a French poem titled "Minuit Chrétiens" and was written in 1843 by Placide Cappeau in Roquemaure, France to celebrate the renovation of a local church.

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 appears 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
O night, O Holy night, O night divine!

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the Wise Men from Orient land
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend
He knows our need, to 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 shall He break, for the slave is our brother
And in His name, all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us Praise His Holy name
Christ is the Lord; O praise His name forever!
His power and glory evermore proclaim
His power and glory evermore proclaim

The world truly is weary, but we can rejoice and find hope in He that has come to save us all. Do not despair, but put your trust in Him that has conquered the world.

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2: 28-32)