It was a Christmas carol that changed this little girl’s life.
Recently I visited Green Valley Church in Placerville, California, and learned from Pastor Jim Botts the powerful significance a Christmas carol can make.
The Pastor shared a story about his wife, Rose, when she was just seven years old, growing up in an extended Jewish family. He paused to make a circle with his hands, “Jewish means no Jesus.”
A friend had given Rose’s family a piano which they placed in their basement and, also, two music books. One was Disney songs which Rose learned by heart. Then she moved on to the second book, a hymn of Christmas carols and read these words:
“What child is this…?”
Rose wondered what child it was. She turned to the second carol, “O Holy Night” and read: “It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.”
“Whoever this Savior is,” Rose thought to herself, “fall on your knees” is what people did in His honor! And in the quiet of that solitary moment, Rose invited this Savior-come-to-earth into her life.
It’s easy to think we humans started the Christmas carol tradition, but according to Pastor Botts, the original idea of singing praises about Jesus comes right from the Bible. The first came from Mary in Luke 1:46-51
“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
Jesus, the Child, became the Savior for His Mother. She acknowledged her need for God, His notice of her, His holiness and His mercy.
The Gospel of Luke continues by including more songs:
Zachariah - Luke 1:69-80
Angels - Luke 2:8-20
Simeon - Luke 2:25-35
One simple Christmas carol can move a person into a whole new life of eternity with Jesus.
Pull up a chair and sit still
Photo by Adriaan Greyling from Pexels
Whether from the book of Luke or your own favorite Christmas carol, consider sitting still awhile and pondering what difference This Child has made in your life. May the Lord bless you this Christmas with a new insight about our precious Jesus.
If you are craving more time in the quiet beauty of God’s Presence, I encourage you to consider a couple upcoming events:
A TASTE OF STILLNESS – a free evening event for women on January 14 at New Hope Eugene. Click here to reserve your place.
Our upcoming DARE TO BE STILL retreat on February 23-24 at Mt. Angel. Click here for more information and to register.