Our Daily Bread: O Holy NightSample

O Holy Sight!

Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has . . . rescued his servants. -Daniel 3:28

What do a man who would turn away from faith in Christ, a Jewish opera composer, and a Unitarian minister have in common? They’re all part of the history of the carol, “O Holy Night.”

In 1843, Placide Cappeau wrote the lyrics, Adolphe Adam wrote the music; and in 1855, John Sullivan Dwight crafted the English version. An unlikely trio behind the song that declares, “Christ is the Lord . . . His power and glory evermore proclaim.”

It was also unlikely that King Nebuchadnezzar would proclaim God’s power and praise Him—but he did.

The monarch had a problem. Three God-believing men, forced into Babylonian captivity and service, refused to “worship the image of gold [the king] set up” (Daniel 3:12). Though the king threatened to kill the men, they said they didn’t need to “defend” themselves for God would “deliver” them (vv. 16–17).

God did miraculously save the three from the fiery furnace (vv. 26–27). At the sight of the spared trio, the king declared, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego!” (v. 28).

Cappeau and the king both pointed to God’s power and glory. And although they clearly caught a glimpse of the truth, it doesn't appear that either came to lasting faith in Him.

This Christmas, as people catch sight of Jesus and His story, let’s share the good news so that others might believe and proclaim, “Christ is the Lord!”

Tom Felten

How can you proclaim Jesus’ power and glory this Christmas? How have you seen non-Christians “proclaim” God’s reality?

Today’s scripture reading is from Daniel, chapter 3, verses 24-30.

(Read today’s scripture.)

Let’s pray…

Dear Jesus, help me proclaim Your power and glory!