Dear Honey Run Friends,
I am writing this letter on the first day of Advent. Thanksgiving has come and gone and now we prepare for Christmas. I don’t know how this past year has been for you, but for me it has been exhausting. I can barely tell which way is up. Work has been more demanding than ever while being short staffed we have all had to help fill in the gaps to keep things running. There have been challenges and days I wanted to give up. But then I have moment to catch my breath and relax and I remember why I do what I do. I love the Inn, the team members, and you the guests. As I search for the meaning in my daily actions, I am reminded of what Paul tells us in Colossians 3:23-24:
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
I abstain from listening to Christmas music until the night of Thanksgiving every year. Partly so I don’t get tired of the holiday music and partly so I can give each holiday its season. But once Advent begins the holiday music begins through the Epiphany for me. During this time the most powerful song for me is O, Holy Night. This song speaks directly to the reason for Christmas. I enjoy the secular songs, but this song moves my soul. It reminds me that the reason for all the decorations and celebration I am commemorating the day when God came to earth in human form for me and you. I fail so often in life to honor God and his love for me. But this poem brought to music reminds me of who I am and why I exist. I pray this season gives you the clarity to know your Lord and Savior and celebrate your life in Him.
Here is a great rendition of O, Holy Night for your listening pleasure performed by the Kings College Choir. https://youtu.be/gTFG_nvreoI (sorry for the short ad before the song)
While you listen read the lyrics and see the of the power of written and sung word.
https://hymnary.org/text/o_holy_night_the_stars_are_brightly_shin
1 O holy night! the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope- the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
2 Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the Wise Men from Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our Friend.
He knows our need— to our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King, before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, before Him lowly bend!
3 Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother,
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we;
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
Merry Christmas to you and your family from your Innkeeper praising his power and glory evermore!
Jason
What a beautiful and meaningful letter. God bless you this Christmas season and throughout the coming year. I love the way you keep Christ in the Inn’s Christmas.
The Inn is the perfect place for your guests to fine peace, I hope, Jason, that you can find the time and place to find peace and renewal. You and your staff make it possible for your loyal guests and we thsnk you for your efforts. O Holy Night is my favorite hymn also. I look forward to hearing it for the first time each season.
Merry Christmas. We look forward to seeing you in January. Please arrange a light snowfall
Good morning Jason, I love your transparency and your ability to allow others to see who you really are. This year indeed has been a challenge for many and unfortunately many do not have the resilience and fortitude that you have acquired for getting through difficult times. Sadly, many have thrown in the towel and moved on. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. We know that God is a present help in every situation that we encounter. You are not alone in the struggle and know that the Honey Run has blessed so many, and will continue to do so. Continue to do what you do as unto the Lord and striving for your true inheritance. Happy Holidays to you and your staff…..
Thank you Jason for sharing your Christmas message. “O Holy Night” is by far one of my favorite Christmas songs. But two more have become more memorable because I got to share them in a special way with my dad just before he passed away on December 3. “Silent Night” and “Messiah” by Francesca Battistelli are now precious Christmas songs I will cherish. Here are the lyrics to “Messiah”:
Long awaited precious promise
Son of God and son of man
Heaven’s glory in a manger
Has come to us in Bethlehem
Messiah, Messiah
Baby born to save us all
Messiah, Messiah
On our knees we fall
All we longed for, all we needed
Shining in this child’s eyes
Hope forever, death defeated
Because of this one holy night
Messiah, Messiah
Baby born to save us all
Messiah, Messiah
On our knees we fall
O come let us adore him
O come let us adore him
O come let us adore him
Christ the Lord
Long awaited precious promise
Coming back again
Messiah, Messiah
Baby born to save us all
Messiah, Messiah
On our knees we fall
On our knees we fall
Listen to it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D14wX0K9XJQ (brief commercial before the video)
Merry Christmas to Everyone!
Hi Jason,
Darlene Leshnock here – a name from your past. I always enjoy reading your letter and hearing about your struggles at the Inn and then your ultimate dependence on Jesus. God is certainly working through you!
I love the Scripture you shared from Colossians. When I worked at McGraw-Hill, I had it pinned on the bulletin board behind my computer where I could see it as I worked. Sure helped me many days to know who I was really working for.
God bless you this Christmas season and may you have a blessed New Year.
With love, Darlene
Hello Jason,
Bill and I always look forward to your newsletters. We know it has been a tough three years for you. We consider The Inn home away from home. Because of your dedication and hard work, our visits are always beautiful memories. We love catching up with the staff and you. Hope to see you next year.
Merry Christmas and may 2023 be good to you.
God Bless,
Bill & Martine