Merry Christmas from Troy

Today we went Christmas caroling in North Central. There were six of us wandering the streets and singing. We picked carols that proclaimed the Gospel, and it was great fun.

My favorite times were when people flung open their doors or windows and yelled out "Merry Christmas!" to us. A number of people looked at us like we were nuts, but couldn't help smiling and feeling a bit special that they got Christmas carolers this year. One teenager yelled the first line of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" at us from a window, so we obliged him with the other 11 days. Don't think that was what he was going for, but it was fun. All in all, I think this needs to happen again - spreading the Gospel and making people stop, smile, stare or just have fun.

One of my favorite Christmas carols is "O Holy Night." I love it mostly for the last verse, which most people don't know. Especially the bit about "Chains shall he break, for the slave is a brother and in his name all oppression shall cease...Christ is the Lord!" To me, it seems like the heart of the Gospel for North Troy, and it gave me great joy to proclaim it loudly in song all the way down the main street.

So, this Christmas, as you contemplate the wonder and the majesty of our God made flesh, accompanied by the praise of angel armies and the amazement of shepherds, this is my prayer for you - that the redemption and freedom described in this hymn is yours. And, if you would, please pray this for Troy.

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

'Til He appear'd 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 divine, O night, O night Divine.

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!

Merry Christmas! We love you all tons!