In His Name All Oppression Shall Cease

One nice thing about being a musician is that Christmas music starts early. I usually begin rehearsing around early September. A few weeks ago, I was practicing one of my favorite Christmas songs, O Holy Night. The third verse hit me with tremendous force.

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.

The part that stood out the most to me is the line “And in His name all oppression shall cease.”
There have been people through history, and even unfortunately in modern times, who attempt to use the name of Christ to oppress the children of God. People who are doing this are in violation of the commandment against taking the name of Deity in vain.

On the other hand, much social progress has resulted from people acting in the name of Christ. Preachers were among those advocating voting rights for women, the abolition of slavery, and the civil rights movement. Christ Himself during His mortal ministry spent His time among the downtrodden and oppressed, offering them hope and redemption.

There is still suffering and oppression in the world. Some of our brothers and sisters are still enslaved. This Christmas season and beyond, let those of us who call ourselves His followers work to fulfill the promise that the name of Christ stands for freedom from oppression.