Featured #TellHisStory Writer: Rachael Krumpe
#TellHisStory Storytellers Series
Story has the power to change the world, one paragraph at a time. I desire for this space to be a way to spread the message of great storytellers in our midst. That’s why I invite an author here every week to share a story with us.
This week’s featured storyteller is Rachael Krumpe, author of the blog Inking the Heart.
Be sure to come back Wednesday to link your own stories and photos with us in the #TellHisStory community.
O Holy Night
by Rachael Krumpe
It’s Christmas Eve.
The kids are tucked in, the presents are out of hiding, the cookies and homemade candy are Saran-wrapped, and I am tired. It has been a long few weeks in preparation for tomorrow. Yet in one day, my weeks of preparation will be eaten and unwrapped; our bellies will be stuffed, and my house will be filled with stuff. All in celebration of the coming of the Christ-child.
The nativity story will be read, and the carols sung tonight will still be singing in our hearts as the day goes on. For tonight is the night of our dear Savior’s birth and tomorrow He will appear.
This Christmas season I first heard the carol, “O Holy Night” on a Wednesday sometime in November. It was my first Christmas shopping attempt. I was in Claire’s, an accessory store, when I heard the chorus, “Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices….”
And that was exactly what I did.
I couldn’t help myself. I got down on my knees right there in the store as if I was looking at something on the very bottom shelf. But really it was an act of worship, an automatic response to the very fact that hope is coming to this weary world on a new and glorious morn, that divine night when Christ was born.
With knees bent, we will hear the Christmas story as my husband reads it. On bended knee we will give gifts to one another in celebration of the gift God gave to each one of us. All done underneath the golden star atop the Christmas tree, sweetly gleaming.
With knees bent, I will also clean up the mess, pick up pine needles, and fold tissue paper. And the day will be over.
But the message will sing on, “Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love and His gospel is peace.”
We celebrate for a season; we love for a lifetime.
Jesus said in John 13:34: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”
When this season of giving gifts is over may we not forget Jesus’ example and may we continue to give of ourselves, loving a little bit better than we did the day before.
Rachael Krumpe is the author of the blog, Inking the Heart. It is a place where her heart as a mother, wife, Christian, friend, and teacher is inked visible and shared for the purpose of encouragement and community. You can connect with her on Facebook here.
Beautiful reminder, Rachael, to really worship and look past the traditions to their true meaning.
oh yes. yes. on our knees. This is wonderful!
“Surely He taught us to love one another….His law is love and His Gospel is peace.” Beautiful!
May we all be moved to bow and bend in the reality of His love and faithfulness. Beautiful story and lovely to meet you Rachael.
Rachael, I love how you weaved the words of this carol into a beautiful call to worship.
Ladies, I am much teary and a little overwhelmed to be featured here. I love worship and this song takes me right into the heart of Christ. Thank you so much for your kind comments and just for reading. It was one of my first posts as a new blogger a year ago. May you all find the words this Christmas season that bring you to your knees in worship of our newborn King of Kings and Prince of Peace! Blessings to you and again…thank you!
yes, Yes, YES!! This stirred me deep. That is indeed my favourite Christmas song of all.
This post stirs my heart as powerfully tonight as it did a year ago, friend. I can see you kneeling in Claire’s and at your tree and before your King. You have a worshipful heart and a reverent spirit and I have time and time again been drawn to Christ by your words and your friendship!
Rachael, so beautiful!
Moments like that don’t come often, Rachael. And in Claire’s, no less, with all of its adornments (I have girls so I know these things). Merry Christmas.
This is my favorite song…and may our hearts always be filled so heavy with love that our knees buckle under the weight of His love…even right in the middle of a store!!! Beautifully told!