Oh Holy Night

Enjoy this message from Gwen Schoenberger called "Oh Holy Night" on Friday, December 6, 2025 at Reach Church in Bear, Delaware!

The Christmas season often brings overwhelming pressure with decorations, gift-giving, and endless responsibilities that can cause us to lose sight of the true meaning of this holy time. However, the timeless carol O Holy Night contains profound truths about finding genuine hope and peace in the midst of our weariness and struggles.The opening verse speaks of a world in sin and error pining - a word that describes deep, aching longing while waiting for something more. This pining represents the exhaustion that comes from carrying heavy burdens, waiting for answers, or feeling the weight of unmet expectations. Many people experience this kind of weariness during the holidays, whether from pressure, loneliness, grief, or simply trying to be everything for everyone. The transformative moment comes when Jesus appears, and the soul feels its worth. Unlike our culture that constantly measures us by productivity, appearance, or success, Jesus gives us worth before we

ever try to earn it.

The carol declares that a thrill of hope causes the weary world to rejoice, revealing a life-changing truth: hope doesn't eliminate weariness but gives weary hearts a reason to celebrate. Jesus-focused hope is confident expectation that God will fulfill His promises. Because of Christ's arrival, we can live with assurance that darkness doesn't get the last word, our weariness will not overcome us, and God continues breaking new mornings out of our old nights. Jesus came not as a distant ruler but as Emmanuel, God with us, who experienced every human emotion and struggle. He understands our needs intimately and was born to be our friend in all trials, offering perfect love that transforms how we live and interact with others.