Since this summer, sleeping has become very difficult. As my respiratory muscles continue to weaken, it has become more and more challenging to lie down. When I do fall asleep, I abruptly wake up gasping for breath. After a night of "sleep", I often feel more tired than I did the night before. Finally last night, I got a good night's sleep! I cannot tell you the joy it is to wake up and not feel like a zombie!
As I went to church, the sun seemed to be shining just for me! The world seemed so much different today. When I entered church, the song "Silent Night" was playing. I could not help but smile and praise God. Yes, last night was indeed a "silent night" for me as my body enjoyed the luxury of sleeping. The very next song to be played was "O Holy Night". As Pastor Greg lead the congregation on his guitar, tears ran down my face. I have heard the song so many times before, but this was absolutely the prettiest rendition I have ever heard!
During the rest of the service, I could not help but meditate on the words of the song. "A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices. For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices! O night divine, the night when Christ was born..." I kept thinking about all the nights I spent yearning for sleep and despising the night and lamenting daybreak. But, it was during the night, Mary and Joseph and the angels welcomed a small precious baby into the world. It was during the darkness of the night that Jesus, My Lord and Saviour, came into the world to offer the free gift of salvation to a weary world. What incredible hope and joy came into the world during the middle of the night! Although the hours of the night may continue to be long and sleep may continue to elude me, I will think to Jesus' glorious birth and "be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" (Romans 12:12). "In peace I will lay down, and sleep; for You alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety" (Psalm 4:8).
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