December 7, 2017 - - Isaiah 60:1-2 Jesus Light of the World

Arise, shine;

For your light has come!

And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you.

For behold darkness shall cover the earth,

And deep darkness the people;

But the LORD will arise over you,

And His glory will be seen upon you.

Isaiah 60:1-2 NKJV

For with You is the fountain of life;

In Your light we see light.

Psalm 36:9 NKJV

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.

John 8:12 NKJV

On Christmas Eve in 1818

A blizzard stranded the tiny village of Ogledorf

Nestled in the Austrian mountains

That same day the people of St. Nicholas' church found their organ broken

So the priest and organist began composing a song that could be sung without

An organ yet beautiful enough to express their Christmas joy

All day and all night long they worked

And at midnight the gentle carol Silent Night was born

The pure clear tones echoed through the hills

And the world has been captured by the beauty of that simple song ever since.

Silent Night Holy Night

All is calm All is bright

Round yon virgin

Mother and child

Holy infant so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace

Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!

Son of God love's pure light.

Radiant beams from Thy holy face

With dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus Lord, at Thy birth

Jesus Lord, at Thy birth

Jesus, Light of the World, pierce the darkness of sin and gloom. Jesus, Lord and King, let Your Spirit lead us by the light of the Bible and Your shining example.

Jesus, break the power of sin and bring redeeming grace.

Amen.