{HSCRC12} Hymn #18, O Holy Night

Hymn Challenge #18: O Holy Night
Words Written by: Placide Cappeau
b. October 25, 1808; d. August 8, 1877

Placide Cappeau was a French poet and the author of "Minuit, chrétiens" (O Holy Night) which was set to music by Adolphe Adam. Mr. Cappeau was the son of Mathieu Cappeau and Agathe Louise Martinet. At the age of 8, Mr. Cappeau had to have his hand amputated after his friend accidently shot him while handling a gun. He was a wine mer­chant and may­or of Roque­maure, France, where he was born. He also studied literature which became his life's focus. Not much else is known about Mr. Cappeau.

I hesitated as to what to write in this post for today. I had this song picked long before the horrific events in the Connecticut shooting on Friday. Mr. Cappeau lost his hand due to a gun accident while on Friday, we see innocent children lose their lives at the hands of a troubled person with a gun. I am at a loss for words. I grieve incredibly for these families. I know those precious babies are in Jesus' hands but I grieve as a mother thinking of those moms and thinking that their empty arms. My girls have asked 'why'. We have prayed; we continue to pray. But as I look at the verses of this hymn, I am struck by several words.  First we start with the famous two lines of Verse 1: "Oh, holy night, the stars are brightly shining; It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!" Jesus was born. He is our light in the darkness:

Psalm 18:28 "You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light."

Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."

Part of Verse 2 of this hymn says:

"In all our trials born to be our Friend! He knows our need—to our weakness is no stranger."

Job 16:20 "My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God;"

Jesus intercedes on our behalf. If you are hurting during this season or know others that are, call on Him, pour out your tears to Him. He was born and knows our aches; He knows their aches. He is there helping them, helping you, or maybe He is using you to help someone else. Be there for them showing His love as Verse 3 continues with:

"Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His Gospel is peace."

Hug someone in need today. Give them a smile. Show His love; show them Jesus. If you have not seen Max Lucado's Christmas Prayer that he posted Friday in response to this tragedy, I encourage you to read it here.

Below you will find the sheet music to "O Holy Night." Also, be sure to check out the link I have below for you today.

Listen here to hear Carrie Underwood sing "O Holy Night."

For my 6x6 page today, I used the December sketch challenge from C'est Magnifique. It's always hard to fit a lot of elements on a 6x6 page but I try. LOL! Anyway, I used the Psalm 18:28 verse listed above. I felt it was appropriate as I think of His birth and that Holy Night when He Himself was the light brought into this dark world.

Papers: Ruby Rock-It Becalm, Pion Design Silent Night cut out sheet, Memory Box mocha, Bazzill cs
Stamp Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink frayed burlap
Embellishments: Poppystamps Simple Banner die and Lorelai Leaf die, Studio Calico wood veneer birds and title, Prima flower (green), misc. flower, misc. pleated ribbon, sewing machine

Remember to use Keyword HSCRC12 when posting your creations in any online galleries. Also, please leave a link to your creation here using Inlinkz! To see all of the information regarding this challenge and the previous studies, please see this post here.

Note, I will be announcing our 2013 study in a week or so. I don't feel it's appropriate to post today. Please continue to join me in prayer for these families. May God bless each of you!