Perspective from the 19^th Hole is the title I chose for my personal blog, which is meant to give me an outlet for one of my favorite crafts – writing – plus to use an image from my favorite sport, golf.  Out of college, my first job was as a reporter for the Daily Astorian in Astoria, Oregon, and I went on from there to practice writing in all my professional positions, including as press secretary in Washington, D.C. for a Democrat Congressman from Oregon (Les AuCoin), as an Oregon state government manager in Salem and Portland, as press secretary for Oregon’s last Republican governor (Vic Atiyeh), and as a private sector lobbyist.  This blog also allows me to link another favorite pastime – politics and the art of developing public policy – to what I write.  I could have called this blog “Middle Ground,” for that is what I long for in both politics and golf.  The middle ground is often where the best public policy decisions lie.  And it is where you want to be on a golf course.

When I  wonder whether to write something on Christmas – or what to write — my thoughts often go to the words of great hymns.

That’s good – thoughts.  Not singing because I am not able to carry a tune.

But, it is good to focuse on the words when they underline the real reason for the season – Christ’s birth which started our way to gain salvation through Him.

By the way, I am writing this, not on Christmas day, but rather on December 23, which is the day my wife and I will be having Christmas with our family here in Salem, Oregon.

So here goes on hymns.

One of the best ones is “O HOLY NIGHT.” 

Here the great lyrics that, when we listen to or hear them can draw us to Christ.

O Holy night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
‘Til 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!

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 come 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

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 power and glory evermore proclaim
His power and glory evermore proclaim

So, focus on these words.  And, if other hymn words draw you, focus on those, too.

And enjoy the reality that Christ came to earth, was born as a baby in manager, taught for about 30 years, then died a grotesque death, but rose from the dead three days later.

That provides salvation for anyone – yes, anyone – who will accept the free gift!