A few years ago, on the Justice and Worship Tour, one of the Christmas songs that I sang as a boy made its way back into my life. We were singing ‘Oh Holy Night’ and the words that I had sung for so many years suddenly came to life once again, but this time, the song meant something more than a Christmas carol. Here are the words of the 3rd verse:
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.
This song was written in 1847 in France by Placide Cappeau de Roquelaure who was the commissionaire of wines in a small French town. The song was written at the request of his parish. The song became popular in the church until the author walked away from the church and joined a socialist movement. After that the song was banned from being played and sung in the church.
10 years later an American writer–John Sullivan Dwight picked up the song and was drawn to it. He loved the song not only for its mention of Christ’s birth, but because of what the author wrote about the abolition of slavery. The story of what has happened as a result of this Christmas hymn is so beautiful. I am taking this information from the good people over at BeliefNet. Read the rest of the story here and listen to David Crowders version here.
Have a great Christmas, and may God pour out many blessings on you, as you bless those in and around your life.
