oh holy night

Advent is here, and with it the lovely traditions of the season: decorated Christmas trees, holiday parties filled with friends and fun, and listening to the most amazing rendition of Oh Holy Night that you could possibly imagine.

I was first introduced to this clip five years ago, in my freshman "Music and Christian Perspective" class at Houghton. If you've never heard it, you're in for a treat. Every year I listen to it over and over again, and every year I wind up in tears. Prepare to be moved.

I didn't take the time to figure out how to embed only the audio--the video is just a guy lip-syncing, and not very well. So feel free not to watch. Just sit back, close your eyes, and enjoy.

what is missing?

I've always struggled with the paradox about which Dan preached last night--a sinner who is a saint, a saint who sins. How can God look on me, and not see my sin, but still want me changed?

This ten minute clip from Graham Cooke gives a really stunning answer in the last few minutes. It's worth a listen if you have the time. (And he has a great accent, if that's any motivation for you at all.) :-)



Dearest Lord, complete what is missing in our experience of You!

happiness!

"Happiness," a song from the musical You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, never fails to elicit a smile from me. It's simple, it's child-like (not childish), and it's a reminder of all the little things that can be delightful if we stop to enjoy them.

Happiness is finding a pencil, pizza with sausage, telling the time
Happiness is learning to whistle, tying your shoes for the very first time
Happiness is playing the drum in your own school band
And happiness is walking hand in hand

Happiness is two kinds of ice cream, knowing a secret, climbing a tree
Happiness is five different crayons, catching a firefly, setting him free
Happiness is being alone every now and then
And happiness is coming home again


Despite all the angst about schoolwork this past week, I've had a marvelous semester. I do love enjoying things, and nooks and crannies of joy have been scattered all over these last few months. It's not just happiness, though--it's seeing God's grace in those moments, knowing that I don't deserve them but that God has given them to me anyway because he loves to delight me. Recognizing that all these things come from the bounty of his hand make them all even more wonderful, because in enjoying them I can be delighting in God, and he in me.

(Oh, what the blood of Jesus has done! That this could actually be!)

So here's my little list of happiness and grace in my life, just over the past couple days. Not as poetic as the musical, but just as enthusiastic and heartfelt.

Happiness is the bus at the library coming just when I need it, so I can catch the next bus home.
Happiness is missing the bus but enjoying the exercise and some music on the walk.

Happiness is getting just enough sleep for everything to seem entertaining the next day.
Happiness is a cup of tea and the last chapter of a good book.

Happiness is stretching out in bed, knowing that it's okay to sleep a little bit longer.
Happiness is a Christmas tree lighting and scenting a dark and quiet room.

Happiness is a dusting of snow: wet enough for snowballs, white enough for winter to be here.
Happiness is friends laughing together, eating together, walking together, just being together.

Happiness is people you love having reasons to celebrate.
Happiness is anticipating the return of the love of your life, be it in a manger or in the clouds.

Happiness is calls from friends at 2AM with the sole purpose of having a chat
Happiness is knowing that the people in cars driving by are wondering why you're dancing down the street.

Happiness is the memory of all these things and the anticipation of more to come.
Happiness is living in light of Love.