oh night divine.

Last night I had the wonderful opportunity to go see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in Atlanta at the Philip's Arena. It was amazing. The concert was broken into two parts, and the first half was my favorite. A big, black man with a deep, strong voice told a story and the orchestra performed an arrangement after each segment of the story. The story was of an angel searching for a child on Christmas eve. The man talked about the peace and the hope found in Christmas. The Prince of Peace had come. It was so beautiful to hear such an extravagent expression of the songs, Oh Holy Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, and Joy to the World. While talking with my friends afterwards, we said it was almost like a glimpse into what it might be like for the angels to sing to the King. It was a great experience. The words from these Christmas carols, though I know it's not even Thanksgiving yet, brought so much joy to my heart and made me so look forward to this Christmas, being able to grow a little bit more in the understanding of the gift that God gave to us.

"Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn...

He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!...

His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease...

Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim."

- O Holy Night

"And the stars are shining brighter

As they whisper what they see
How the emperor and the pauper

With the lion and the lamb

Kneel down before the infant

For his peace they understand

Hark, the herald angels sing

Glory to the newborn king

Peace on earth and mercy mild

God and sinners reconciled

Glory all ye nations rise

Join the triumph of the skies"

- The Prince of Peace (TSO)

"And for all the years you borrowed

And for all the tears you cried

And for all the fears you had to keep inside

I am the way

I am the light

I am the dark inside the night

I hear your hopes

I feel your dreams

And in the dark

I hear your screams

Don't turn away

Just take my hand

And when you make your final stand

I'll be right there

I'll never leave

And all I ask of you is

Believe"

- TSO