The Unexpected Vessel: God’s Wisdom in Choosing a Journalist

In the vast tapestry of God’s divine plan, we often find ourselves marveling at the unexpected threads He chooses to weave His message. Such is the case with Josiah G. Holland, a journalist whose pen became the instrument through which a beloved Christmas hymn would flow. “There is a song in the air” stands as a testament to the truth that our Lord’s wisdom surpasses our limited understanding, for He often selects the most unlikely vessels to carry His most profound messages.

As we reflect on Holland’s role in crafting this hymn, we are gently reminded of the words in 1 Corinthians 1:27, “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” How often do we, in our human frailty, place limitations on who we believe God can use? Yet, here we stand, centuries later, still singing the words penned by a man whose primary calling was not to the pulpit, but to the printing press.

The Symphony of Creation: God’s Work Through All Believers

As we delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Holland’s hymn, we are confronted with a profound truth: God’s work is not confined to the hallowed halls of seminaries or the polished pews of our churches. His symphony of creation resounds through the lives of all believers, regardless of their station in life. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Consider, dear reader, the humble shepherds on that first Christmas night. These simple men, often overlooked and undervalued by society, were chosen to be the first bearers of the greatest news humanity would ever receive. Luke 2:8-11 paints this scene with vivid strokes: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'”

The Celestial Chorus: Unpacking Holland’s Lyrical Masterpiece

Let us now turn our attention to the hymn itself, a lyrical masterpiece that captures the essence of that holy night with breathtaking beauty. Holland begins with the evocative line, “There’s a song in the air!” Immediately, we are transported to a world where the very atmosphere vibrates with divine energy. This is not merely a physical song, but a spiritual resonance that permeates creation itself.

As we continue, we encounter the imagery of a star in the sky, a mother’s deep prayer, and a baby’s low cry. In these few words, Holland encapsulates the cosmic and the intimate, the divine and the human. The star, reminiscent of the one that guided the Magi, serves as a beacon of hope and divine guidance. Matthew 2:2 recalls the words of the wise men: “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

The Divine Paradox: A King in a Manger

Perhaps the most striking aspect of Holland’s hymn is its portrayal of the divine paradox: the King of Kings, cradled in a humble manger. This imagery challenges our preconceptions of power and majesty, forcing us to confront the radical nature of God’s love. As Holland writes, “for the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King!”

This paradox is at the heart of the Christian faith. The Creator of the universe, choosing to enter His creation as a vulnerable infant, born in the most humble of circumstances. It is a truth that should shake us to our core, compelling us to reevaluate our understanding of power, love, and sacrifice.

The Tumult of Joy: The Earth’s Response to Incarnate Deity

Holland’s second verse speaks of a “tumult of joy o’er the wonderful birth.” This is not a quiet, subdued happiness, but an overwhelming, all-encompassing joy that sweeps over the earth. It is the appropriate response to the realization that the “virgin’s sweet boy is the Lord of the earth.”

This joy is not confined to a select few, but is available to all who recognize the significance of this birth. As the angels proclaimed to the shepherds in Luke 2:10-11, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

The Light of Ages: Christ as the Fulfillment of Prophecy

In the third verse, Holland paints a picture of the ages “impearled” in the light of the star. This imagery speaks to Christ as the fulfillment of prophecy, the long-awaited Messiah whose coming was foretold throughout the Old Testament. Isaiah 9:6 proclaims, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

The song that has “swept over the world” is the Gospel message, the good news of salvation that has indeed spread to the farthest corners of the earth. As Jesus commanded in Mark 16:15, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”

The Universal Response: Jesus as King of All Nations

Holland’s hymn culminates in a powerful declaration of Christ’s kingship over all nations. “Every hearth is aflame, and the beautiful sing in the homes of the nations that Jesus is King!” This line speaks to the universal nature of Christ’s reign, transcending cultural and national boundaries.

This truth aligns perfectly with Revelation 7:9-10, which describes a great multitude “from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.'”

Our Joyful Response: Echoing the Heavenly Song

In the final verse, Holland invites us to join in the celestial celebration. We are called to “rejoice in the light, and we echo the song that comes down through the night from the heavenly throng.” This is not a passive observation of Christ’s birth, but an active participation in the joy and worship it inspires.

As we sing this hymn, we are joining our voices with the angels who proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14). We are entering into a timeless celebration of God’s love and grace, manifested in the birth of our Savior.

The Enduring Message: God’s Plan for Every Believer

As we reflect on Holland’s hymn and the circumstances of its creation, we are reminded of a fundamental truth: God has a plan for each of His children, regardless of their occupation or social standing. Just as He used a journalist to pen a timeless hymn, and shepherds to spread the news of Christ’s birth, He desires to use each of us in unique and powerful ways.

The Apostle Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 4:10, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” This truth should both challenge and encourage us. It challenges us to step out in faith, to be open to God’s leading in our lives, even when it may seem unconventional or unexpected. It encourages us with the knowledge that we are all valuable and necessary parts of God’s grand design.

The Call to Action: Sharing God’s Message

Holland’s hymn serves as a poignant reminder that God does not require us to be polished speakers or respected leaders to share His message. He simply asks for willing hearts, ready to be used for His glory. The shepherds, in their haste and excitement, “spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child” (Luke 2:17). Their qualification was not their eloquence or social status, but their firsthand encounter with the living God.

In the same way, we are called to share the good news of Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection with those around us. Our qualification is not our own righteousness or ability, but the transforming...

The Unexpected Messenger: A Christmas Hymn Story