Christmas for All 12/11
On 24 December 1906, something happened for the first time in history that rocked the world! Ship radio operators and newspaper staff in offices, citizens across the continent and around the world who were familiar with the normal coded impulses coming from their tiny speakers, heard sounds never imagined: a clear tone, a voice, the vibrant and alive spoken word and music!
The world’s first radio broadcast was coming from Brant Rock, Massachusetts to the general public. This pioneering broadcast was achieved after years of work by Reginald Fessenden, who built a system of wireless transmission using amplitude modulation (AM). And what of all things did Fessenden play that Christmas Eve? He picked up a violin and performed for us the Christmas hymn “O Holy Night.” The first music that was ever heard through the air via radio waves, was a clear declaration to the world that we have a Savior, and the hope we so desperately desire is available to our very soul.
What was true then is so true today. Our world struggles under the burden of sin and we are weary from our independence. But there is one who loves us so deeply that He steps into our mess through Christ, allowing for each of us to find the healing and worth we were designed to enjoy.
O holy night! the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till he appeared 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, O holy night, O night divine!
The recital ended with a brief Bible reading from Luke 2:14. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”
Think of it. Over the air waves and pulsing through the atmosphere came the moving and powerful declaration of Christ, calling each of us to respond in a manner that is possible, so as to receive the impossible - to be the recipient of grace and the very miracle of His divine work of redemption in our hearts and minds. It was 116 years ago this Christmas Eve that a wonderful and life changing event broke upon us. It changed the way we travel, communicate, interact and radically affected our daily life. Some 2000 years ago something seeming less dramatic at the outset, radically changed the lives and eternity of millions who have willingly bent their knees in worship.
Q: Some things are better heard than seen, like a baseball game on radio or a book on audio. What would be one for you that you would rather hear?
Q: How can you bring or offer someone peace in these troubling times?