“Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.”

The line comes from a famous Christmas carol, “O Holy Night,” but these are after-Christmas words. Have you ever wondered about your soul’s worth?

There was worth revealed from God on that first Christmas night, when the angels came and sang to the shepherds. Though they labored in one of the lowest occupations, God granted them the concert performance of all time. He showed them the worth he saw in their souls.

Many of us have been to concerts and Christmas productions this month, where the message has been the same but the delivery has not been quite so inspiring.

We’re not feeling the worth. We would never say it using this way ourselves — the term has grown out of date in our language — but we’ve been “pining,” feeling like something is missing or even wrong; wanting more, needing more, needing something better, needing relief.

Christmas is behind us, but the gift is still before us. What are we waiting for?

What is this pining about? The song says “sin and error.” That’s our problem: we really have gotten things wrong. Placide Cappeau’s original French words here in this carol could be literally translated “original sin.” Now, there’s a term that’s even less up-to-date than “pining;” plus we get uncomfortable with the idea that there’s something that wrong inside of us. But it’s still true. There’s a lot wrapped up in its meaning, but in short it means that we’ve got a problem and we need help with it.

Long lay the world, waiting for someone to bring that help.

Still Waiting?

Some of us are still waiting. We’re still feeling the sting of loss, the pain of injury and illness, the shame of our own errors and failures. Last night, talking with my wife at bedtime, I counted off more than half a dozen that I’d made in just one day, some of them carelessly mistakes, but at least one of them truly a wrong thing I’d done. My soul was not feeling much worth.

The rest of the first verse and chorus literally translate,

Midnight, Christians, is the solemn hour,
When God as man descended unto us
To erase the stain of original sin
And to end the wrath of His Father.
The entire world thrills with hope
On this night that gives it a Saviour.

People, kneel down, await your deliverance.
Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer,
Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer!

Following that talk with my wife last night I had to ask myself (in different words, but the same thought), Am I waiting still? Have I forgotten that God as man has already descended unto us? Am I living in confidence that God has erased the stain, ended the wrath, and restored hope?

Today I am resolved to remember the worth of my soul in the sight of God. He sent more than a great concert, He sent Himself to redeem you and me. This incredible gift can only be received with faith and with gratefulness.

Christmas is behind us, but the gift is still before us. What are we waiting for?