For Yonder Breaks a New and Glorious Morn (from “O Holy Night”)

By Rosie Alejandro

Miami, Florida, USA

Scripture Reading:

Lamentations 3:22-24

Romans 8:38-39

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

Lamentations 3:22-24

There are two words that stand out in this most amazing verse: Love and Faithfulness. It is God’s love that gives us the grace of compassion every day. It is His faithfulness that make His compassions new every single day.

I was baptized in 1995, but in 2008 I walked away from God. For four years I lived in darkness as I lived a life like that of the prodigal son. I did not have monetary riches to waste away. No, for me it was not money that I spent irresponsibly. For me, I gave away the grace that God was giving me every day, even in those four years. As He tried to tell me that He still loved me, I did not listen. I blocked Him out. I only listened to the thief. You know the thief—Satan—the one who only comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).

As I grieved my unwanted divorce during those years, I sought after being loved by several men, only to find more emptiness each time. I sometimes did not prioritize my two little boys, because my focus was to find love (in all the wrong places).

In 2012, praise be to God, I returned to Him. I returned to my loving and faithful Father. He was always trying to tell me that He still loved me. Only this time, I finally listened. I remember breaking down weeping as my repentant heart cried out to God asking for forgiveness. Only He had already forgiven me, because this is who God is.

As you read through this devotional, dear sister, allow me to remind you of who you are. You are the daughter of the mighty KING and the LORD of LORDS. Nothing on this earth can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).

In the beautiful song, “O Holy Night,” we are reminded: “for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.” God’s compassion is made new every morning, thanks be to our Lord Jesus Christ. Even during times in your walk with God when you feel separated from Him, or when you’ve allowed sin to dominate your life, God is there reminding you that He still loves you. You need know and believe that, and in response you can repent and start again. You can come back to Him.

Even as a restored disciple of Jesus, I had new challenges and new temptations and struggles. But God was always there renewing His compassion for me every single day.  At the end of 2016, I married the love of my life. He is a godly man who leads me every day. A man not perfect, but perfect for me. Through our marriage, God has been sanctifying me through the challenges marriage brings. When I am critical, stubborn, and prideful even now, His compassion for me is renewed every single day.

As a mother of three now (God blessed us with a little girl), I lose my patience sometimes, or sometimes allow other distractions to steal time away from my kids. Yet God is still loving and faithful, as His compassion for me is renewed every single day. God’s compassion always moves me toward repentance and growth and brings me a joy that nothing else can bring.

My sister, I pray you remember every day that you are not “consumed” (destroyed) because the love and faithfulness of God through Christ brings you His compassion every single day.

Questions for Reflection:

1. What are some ways you see God’s compassion for you?
2. What is an example of God being faithful in your life lately?
3. When you struggle with sin, do you believe Satan’s lies that God won’t forgive you? If so, what scripture(s) will you memorize to help you overcome those lies during these times of temptation?

Today I will:

This week, take time to get on your knees (if you are physically able to) or lie prostrate and thank God for your salvation, and remember what He has saved you from. In doing this, your heart will be moved and you will feel a renewed sense of God’s compassion in your life. Warning-you will probably cry or even weep-and that’s a good sign!  Make it a habit to do this at least monthly and you will see a huge difference in your walk with God.

About the Author:

Rosie Alejandro is a proud Hispanic American, the daughter of Peruvian and Puerto Rican parents. She has a master’s degree in education and is a certified Master Mindset coach. She works as a public-school teacher and is the creator and host of the Driven in Her Purpose podcast, which helps women reignite their faith, pursue their purpose, and live with intention. Rosie and her husband, Fernando (author of “Singles Ministry Can Change the World”), live in Miami, Florida, and have three children. The proudly serve as leaders of a community group of newly married couples and hope to one day serve in ministry at a greater capacity.

To hear a special version of "O Holy Night" performed by your sister Amy Kinzer, please click the image below: