Honoring Christ

During the Christmas season I like to watch my favorite movies that center around the holiday, movies like “Boyfriend for Christmas”, Raymond Brigg’s “The Snowman”, “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, and “It’s a Wonderful Life.

I recently watched one I especially like—“A Christmas Carol” starring Patrick Stuart. I love the line near the end where Scrooge expresses his gratitude for being given a second chance and declares, ““I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” He goes on to say he will not forget the lessons his experience has taught him.

Scrooge’s words got me thinking and reminded me that, as Christians, we are given a second chance--the chance to be delivered from the penalty of sin. Out of our gratitude to Jesus for this wonderful gift, we should honor Christ in our hearts every day and remember the lessons He taught. Honoring Christ means living in a way that reflects His own goodness, love, and faithfulness. The Bible says we can honor and glorify God by serving others (Matthew 5:16), by doing everything as though we are working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23), by living obediently (John 14:15), by overcoming evil with good (Romans 12:21), by using our bodies for His purposes (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and by showing love to others. (John 15:12)

God desires genuine honor—honor that comes from our hearts and isn’t just for show. 1 Samuel 16:7 says that while people look at outward appearances, God looks at the heart. When we delight in the Lord (Psalm 37:4), seek Him in everything we do (Isaiah 55:6), and make choices that reflect the place He has in our hearts (Joshua 24:15), we bring Him the greatest honor.

Scrooge just wanted to honor Christmas, but I am throwing out a challenge. In 2026, let’s honor Jesus both in our hearts and outwardly.

Hey! That sounds like a great New Year’s Resolution! May God bless us—every one!

Be encouraged!

©2025 Pamela D. Williams

Holy Night

One of my favorite Christmas carols is “O, Holy Night”. I can still see my dad standing in our living room singing this song while I one-fingered the music on a miniature organ and sang the harmony.

“O, Holy Night” has an interesting origin and history. In France, a priest asked Placide Cappeau, a wine merchant and amateur poet, to write a Christmas poem. Inspired by the Gospel of Luke, Cappeau wrote the words during a stagecoach ride, focusing on Jesus's birth and the liberation from sin that He brought us.

Cappeau then asked his friend, a composer named Adolphe Adam, to write the music. The song debuted at Christmas Eve mass in 1847.

When it was discovered that the composer was Jewish, the French Catholic Church banned the song for a time, but French citizens loved it and sang it in secret. Eventually, “O, Holy Night” was introduced to America.

Besides reminding me of happy times with my dad, “O, Holy Night” brings such reverence to the celebration of Christmas. It is a beautiful reminder of why we can be joyful! For not only does it tell the story of Jesus’ humble beginnings, the song shares the hope His birth brings to all of us! Jesus’ came to purchase forgiveness for our sins and errors. (1 Timothy 1:15) And He came to be our friend, knowing our needs, our trials, our weariness. (John 15:13-15)

So, while “Santa Baby” and “Jingle Bells” are fun songs I sing along with at Christmas, “O, Holy Night” is the one that speaks truth to my heart and brings joy to my soul. What’s your favorite Christmas song?

Be encouraged!

©2025 Pamela D. Williams