Jeff Stolk:

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is a recent favorite Christmas song for me. I have always enjoyed the sound of it, but the lyrics are especially meaningful this year. As I listen to the words, I am struck by the thought of pleading for Christ to “come” and “ransom captive Israel... that mourns in lonely exile.” I can put myself into the song as Israel — pleading for Christ to come into my life, to help me when I feel alone and in need of relief. I am trying to grasp the idea that seemingly overwhelming times can actually be opportunities for growth and for strengthening one’s relationship with Jesus Christ. There are moments when Jesus Christ is the only place we can look for true relief and ransom.

“O Holy Night” is a longtime favorite Christmas song for me. I love the awesome wonder the lyrics invoke — they remind me that we, as the world, fall short over and over again, but that there is always hope through Christ. This song reminds me that no one is truly lost or permanently chained, because a loving Father in Heaven sent His Son — our big Brother — to live, die, and live again for each of us. That is a gift that deserves our awe and wonder. I hope that one day, I can fall to my knees before Him and “let all within [me] praise His holy name.”

Jesus Christ brings hope when hope feels lost. He brings peace when life feels like it is too much. I am working on my relationship with Him and hope that I can learn to more fully rely on His Atonement and on His perfect love for me. I know that He lives. I know that He loves each of us individually. I know that He believes in us more than we believe in ourselves. I love Him, and I will forever be grateful for the greatest gift the world has ever known.

Travis and Liz Stolk Family:

As a family, we have always loved this song. It resonates with our kids because of its simple and peaceful description of the Nativity and of Jesus lying in such a humble place. 

He is Christ the King, born to save the world!