Chains shall He break,
O Holy Night, verse 3b
for the slave is our brother,
And in His name,
all oppression shall cease
O Holy Night is one of my favorite Christmas songs. As I listen to the song, I instantly feel peace wash over me. I rest in the words of this song as the truth sung speaks to the depths of my heart. As we focus on verse 3, I can’t help but be filled with joy and gratitude. The truth is that without Jesus we are dead in our trespasses and sin. (Ephesians 2:1) We were people walking without hope, shackled to sin, dead. Jesus came to break the yoke of slavery, so we could be set free. (Galatians 5:1) He gives hope, loosens the chains, and makes us alive again. (Ephesians 2:5)
We can be enslaved by so many things. At some point in our lives, we have likely been under spiritual bondage of some sort; it could be an addiction to alcohol, pornography, or food. Or maybe you are enslaved by material possessions, careers, dreams, media, hobbies, sports or unhealthy relationships. Whatever that bondage was or is, in Jesus, we are set free, no longer enslaved.
How should we walk then? As free people! Jesus overcame sin and death, taking on sin so we could walk victoriously and free. We are no longer under the yoke of slavery. What does a free person walking look like? They walk as sons and daughters who have been set free, sharing in Jesus’ ministry of reconciliation by telling our freedom stories with others and the gift of Jesus. Simply put: Jesus has reconciled us, so walk freely as you share your freedom story with others.
Scripture References
Luke 4:14-21, Psalm 72:14, John 8:34-36
Action Step
Are you living as one who is set free? If not, what has enslaved you? Release it to God and ask Him to set you free. Then sit down with a trusted friend who can walk with you into freedom.
Accompanying Playlist
All hymns referenced throughout the series found in one spot. Some versions are traditional. Others…not so much. Enjoy!
Living Simply With God 