9 / 24
The Pinecone
|
December 2015
• 9 •
f r om Don J oh n s on , K i r b y P i n e s Chap l a i n
Chaplain’s COrner
On Christmas Eve, 1906, a Canadian –
born inventor named Reginald Fessen-
den transmitted the first radio broadcast
in history from an experimental tower
in Massachusetts. Fessenden, who is
sometimes referred to as the “Father
of Radio Broadcasting,” read passag-
es from the Bible and then played the
Christmas carol, “O Holy Night,” on his
violin. When he did, he made “O Holy
Night” the first song ever transmitted
over radio waves.
This carol of Christmas was the cre-
ation of Placide Clappeau, the mayor of
Roquemaure, France. Clappeau, a wine
maker, also wrote poetry, mostly for his
own enjoyment. His minister asked him
to write something special for Christ-
mas celebration. While riding in a car-
riage to Paris Clappeau penned his lyr-
ics. He asked Adolphe-Charles Adam,
a classical composer of music mostly
presented in secular venues and bal-
lets, to create the melody for “O Holy
Night.” Clappeau’s powerful lyrics so
greatly impressed the French composer
that he created the deeply stirring mu-
sic for the song. No one can question
that the lyrics and music make a per-
fect combination for one of the all time
great songs of the season.
In 1847 this song was first presented.
It became an overnight success. Later,
when the French church discovered
Clappeau had left Christianity to fol-
O Holy Night
low the social movement of his day,
and also learned the music composer,
Charles Adams, was Jewish, the hymn
was banned. Because it was so popular
with the people, who continued to sing
it outside the church, “O Holy Night”
grew in public acceptance and was re-
instated. John Sullivan Dwight later
translated the lyrics into English and it
became an American favorite of Christ-
mas carols. Around the world this song
has provided praise and inspiration. Not
only making history in broadcasting,
Clappeau’s work has uplifted Christmas
celebrants around the world.
This beautiful song of the season gives
us many lessons. God is
able to use those we may
consider most unlikely to
bring Him praise a n d
honor.
And
God can put
together a
team which
can make a
creation so
special that
it will inspire
and bless oth-
ers globally.
God can take
something that
some would
discredit and
throw away and keep
it both lasting and enriching.
The lyrics of “O Holy Night” present
that Christmas 2000 years ago as “Di-
vine.” It tells us what lay beyond the
manger...darkness dispelled by light…
despair pushed away by deliverance...
sadness replaced by joy... emptiness
filled with abundance…and so much
more.
May you discover such a night for your-
self.
May this inwardly be your greatest
Christmas!
Till next time,
Don Johnson, Kirby Pines Chaplain
December Vesper Services
•
6:30pm
•
Performing Arts Center
December 10th
Reverend Doctor
Cindy Schwartz
Advent Presbyterian
December 17th
Reverend Doctor
Sam Brassell
Covenant Baptist
December 24th
Christmas Eve
There will be no
Vespers Service
December 3rd
Maxie
Dunnam
Christ United Methodist