Fall On Your Knees, O Hear the Angel Voices (from “O Holy Night”)

By Dr. Crystal M. Consonery

Marietta, Georgia, USA

Scripture Reading:

Matthew 26:38-46

As a child I can recall my sisters and brother being excited about Christmas Day and the presents that would be waiting under the tree. But for me, I secretly looked forward to Christmas Eve. For as long as I can remember, I would watch to see if I could find the star that led the wise men to Bethlehem and the tiny baby asleep in the manager. Now as an adult, I still look to the sky on Christmas Eve, but now I am looking up with prayer and thanksgiving.

During the summer of 1999, I was told that we would be having twins! Excitement, nervousness, and joy only scratch the surface of the waves of emotion that filled me. However, while a happy time, it would only prove to be a brief moment in time. Only a week and a half later, after finishing an afternoon walk, I began to have severe abdominal cramping. It was during this time that the words of Matthew 26:38-46 became very personal to me:

“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” (verse 38)

This was my plea to my husband and friends. Do not leave my side, pray, cry out to God with me and for me. You see, the year prior we lost a child due to an ectopic pregnancy and I could not wrap my mind around the possibility of the loss of another child.

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (verse 39)

After several hours in the emergency room and several tests, the ER doctor came in and with words that seemed to boom louder than thunder he casually said, “You have had a miscarriage, so we are going to perform a dilation and curettage, D & C, procedure.” Time stopped and everything and everyone appeared to be moving in slow motion.

Then suddenly, I felt a gently yet firm nudging to speak up and not just lay down and accept what was being said. So with every ounce of strength I had in me, I told the doctor to leave my room and asked my husband to please make sure he would not be allowed back in. After a brief discussion and the ER doctor verifying who my obstetrician (OB-GYN) was, he agreed to leave and entrust my care to my personal physician.

“My Father, if it Is possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” (verse 42)

Upon the arrival of my OB-GYN, I was admitted to the hospital and told that while, yes, it appeared I had lost a twin, there was still a possibility that the other baby had survived.

I spent the next couple of days praying with friends and family and being monitored to ensure my hormone levels were rising. During this time, I became reconciled with the fact that God’s will is perfect and that all things are for His glory. Several days later I was discharged and told that there was no reason why I could not deliver a healthy baby.

“Rise!” (verse 46)

While I would like to say that the remainder of my pregnancy was uneventful, that was certainly not the case. I went into preterm labor three times, but each time I could feel the Spirit of God moving with me. I spent most of my pregnancy on bedrest, but my friends and family group were there for me. During that summer, we studied the Bible with and baptized more women than we ever would have thought possible.

My prayer during those days was one of complete surrender. I was resolved that my life and pregnancy were in God’s hands. I knew without a doubt that He was in control, and this gave me the gift of peace that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Our baby was born on December 11, 1999. A healthy 8-pound, 6-ounce baby boy who entered the world with his eyes wide open! Every year as we enter this most holy time of year, I fall to my knees, look to the sky and offer prayers of thanksgiving, not only for the birth of our miracle baby, but also for God’s Spirit that was there with me and for the angels who whispered to me and gave me the strength I needed that night to not give in to what the doctor ordered and trust that God had a greater plan in place.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Who are you relying on today? Why or why not?
2. Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to intercede on your behalf or are you fighting God in an effort to do it all yourself?
3. When you pray and present your requests to God how do you feel?
4. What is one situation that you can surrender today and trust that God is in control?

Today I will:

Philippians 4:6 tells us to “…not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Is there anything causing you anxiety today? Commit to bringing it to God in prayer.

Prayer:

Dear God, today I would like to simply ask that your Spirit intercede on my behalf. Although there are things that I am going through that to my earthly eyes do not make sense, I trust that You are in control, and I kneel before You now and surrender all to You. Knowing without a doubt that your will is perfect. Amen.

About the Author:

Dr. Crystal Consonery is a Certified Faith-Based Clinical Counselor, author, life coach, and speaker. A devoted disciple of 25 years, she currently serves as the administrator for Bridge Pointe Church. She resides in Marietta, Georgia, with her husband of 27 years, Adrian, who serves as an elder in the church. The Consonerys have two adult children: Aerial (25) who lives in Kennesaw, Georgia; and Adrian “AJ” (22) who is college senior at Grambling State University.

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