Natural things of the world become supernatural in the hands of the Lord when He chooses to use them for His purposes. The Creator of the Universe has the world at His disposal and He uses it all. The author who writes the words that speak to you doesn’t even have to be a Christian.
Are you familiar with the Christmas song “O Holy Night”? The story behind this song is quite amazing. It was first commissioned by a priest as a poem to be read. The author, Mr. Placide Cappeau, was not known to be a Christian. In fact, historically, he has been thought to be an atheist. He, in turn, asked his friend Adolphe Charles Adam to put the poem to music. Adam was of Jewish origin and faith. Together they penned a song that has inspired generations in spite of the fact that neither of them were Christian. The French church even banned the song because of the composer’s lack of Christian faith. Creativity is a gift from God. He will use it for His plans and purposes—whether or not He is acknowledged in the process.
The long and unusual history of the distribution of this beloved song also points to the Lord. It was translated into English and brought to America by American abolitionist John Sullivan Dwight. The song then became a part of the legend of a 24 hour Christmas cease-fire in the Franco-Prussian War, and it was part of the first radio broadcast of a man’s voice in 1906. The first song ever played on the radio proclaimed the birth of our Savior,
Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices!
O night divine! O night when Christ was born.
O night, O holy night, O night divine.
This Christmas, allow Jesus to transform the natural into the supernatural as you celebrate His birth. Some call it Christmas magic. Let’s recognize it for what it is, the hand of God touching earth.
May we be a people who love more deeply.
May we be a people who stop and listen to not just words, but to hearts.
May we be a people who worship and sing with the angels.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
Merry Christmas!