It was Christmas Eve in the year 1906.
Radio operators aboard various cargo ships in the Atlantic, listened intently to coded impulses heard over small speakers installed at their work stations. Of course this was nothing new for the operators, just a normal part of their job duties that they performed every day.
Being the day before Christmas, one could imagine the heavy hearts and overwhelming thoughts of these individuals. Thoughts of family and the desire to be with them come the morning of the 25th. The longing to see twinkling lights and take in the smell of a drying Christmas tree. To have the chance to celebrate the birth of the Savior with friends, family, and loved ones near and far.
It’s easy to imagine, isn’t it?
Now imagine the continued pulsing drone of the speaker suddenly interrupted by sounds of crackling pops, followed by the clear, strong voice, of a man reading Scripture from the book of Luke:
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed…”
The sound of the voice was not only a surprise to the operators, it was a reality that seemed impossible at that time. You see, this was the first moment in history, a man’s voice was being broadcast over the airwaves and into the listening ears of all who had the equipment to do so. To the few who caught the broadcast, it must have seemed a true wonder was happening as the angelic voice recited the words of Luke and proclaimed with vigor, the story of the birth of Jesus Christ.
After the scripture was read, the sound of a violin could be heard playing. Imprinting a lovely soundtrack in history, which connected all who could hear its sweet cadence of surrender, awe, and worship. The music being played was first introduced in the United States in the 1860’s during the Civil War, quickly finding favor amongst those in the North. Over 30 years later, the unforgettable carol, “Oh, Holy Night”, became the first song ever to be sent through the air via radio waves.
We’re now heading to the end of 2019…113 years after that history changing Christmas Eve in 1906…and “Oh, Holy Night” is still being passionately recited the world over. If the story of this songs flight to the radios of America doesn’t move or impress you, perhaps its beginning will.
In France, in 1847, a wine maker named Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure, was asked by his parish priest to pen a poem for the coming Christmas Mass. Though Placide was not known for having consistent church attendance, his poetry was beloved by many where he lived. He was unsure of himself, but Placide accepted the task with honor and quickly penned the words to “Oh, Holy Night”, in a dusty coach traveling towards the capital city.
After finishing the poem, Placide felt compelled to turn the sonnet into a song and enlisted the help of his friend, a well-known classical musician, to assist him. Within three weeks the song was completed and performed at Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and wholeheartedly accepted by the church in France.
Though “Oh, Holy Night” was used in many Catholic services and had quickly become one of the most beloved Christmas songs in France; things changed when Placid Cappeau walked away from the church and became a part of the socialist movement. As if that wasn’t enough, church leaders found out that the man who created the music for “Oh, Holy Night” was a Jew and didn’t even believe Jesus Christ was the Son of God. With these two bits of reality staring them in the face, the heads of the French Catholic church (at the time) denounced the song from ever being played again and deemed it “unfit” for church
services.
Even with the mandate of the church, the French people could not let “Oh, Holy Night” disappear. They kept singing it at church, on the streets, and in their homes. The song was only a little over 10 years old when an American writer brought it to the United States, capturing the hearts of all who would hear its message. It served as a tool to tell the story of the birth of the Savior, as well as give evidence to the evil practice of slavery, and how to overcome it; at a time when America really needed that message.
“Truly He taught us to love one another, 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.”
God has proven (and still continues to prove), that He can use any one, at any time, to proclaim His glory. It doesn’t matter if you agree with a person’s beliefs, or how they live, or what you think of them.
Each person on this planet has the potential to do amazing things for God…we just have to have a willing heart. He might not be calling you to write a song like “Oh, Holy Night”…but whatever He is calling you to do…rest assured its value will give your life beautiful purpose.
What better gift is there than that?
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