In the middle verse of O Holy Night we find precious phrases that overwhelm our hearts. Taken straight from scripture. Words given to you by God to draw you to Himself.

In all our trials born to be our Friend

• John 15:13–16 - Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

You were chosen from before the foundation of the world. You were fore-loved (foreknown) by God. Out of sin you have been called - called into friendship with Christ. Christ’s friendship with us is readily apparent when we consider that He has laid down His life to redeem us. He has demonstrated the greatest love for us.

In this specific passage, Christ has addressed his disciples, and has given two reasons for why His is calling them friends:

1. Christ’s friends are those who do what He has commanded
2. Christ’s friends are those to whom He has made known the revelation from the Father

How amazing then is the two-fold work of the Holy Spirit, working in you to follow the commands of Christ, and providing to you the whole of sacred Scripture! Christ has reached to you by sending His Holy Spirit, drawing you to Himself as a close Friend.

This is truly beyond all that we could ask or think: Christ is our Friend!

He knows our need

• Romans 8:32 - He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
• Matthew 6:32–33 - …your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

The fact that God knows our need is one of the greatest comforts we can have in this life. God’s knowing is not merely the theoretical, or encyclopedic knowledge of His people and their needs. His knowing is an active knowing. He knows, and He acts. What more evidence do you need than this: Your number one need has been dealt with permanently. Before you were, God has acted. He delivered His Son up for you.

O dear ones - God knows, and acts!

Now then heed this call, as Christ’s friend: Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness. Don’t worry about all these things being added to you. You have no need of worry! God knows, and he acts! Rest fully in His care.

To our weakness is no stranger

• Hebrews 4:15 - For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

You may not find words to fully describe your state or weaknesses. However, because He is no stranger to the weakness of the human frame, and suffered temptations as you have, He knows how you are feeling. He knows the strength you need. He knows.

And He acts!