The Wanderer: The Story of “O Holy Night” (Songs of Resistance Series: Part 1)

Dec 14, 2022

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Launching a new mini-series under The Wanderer banner, Tim Stafford embarks on an exploration of worship—not as performance or emotional manipulation, but as resistance, reorientation, and the embodiment of justice. This reflective episode traces Tim’s journey from burnout with worship-leading to rediscovering the true heart of worship through scripture, history, and music. In this premiere installment, Tim unpacks the history and radical impact of the Christmas anthem “O Holy Night,” connecting its forgotten abolitionist roots to the deeper calling of worship as cultural and spiritual counter-programming.

Key Takeaways: • Worship is a deeply human and formative act—constantly shaping us, whether we recognize it or not. • True Christ-centered worship should serve as resistance to societal idols like nationalism, consumerism, and individualism. • The purpose of worship is not to boost God's ego, but to reorient ourselves toward justice, community, and God's kingdom. • “O Holy Night” is more than a Christmas classic—it became a powerful abolitionist anthem in 19th century America. • Counter-programming through liturgy, music, communion, and teaching acts as liberation for communities seeking shalom.

Reflections from the Episode: “Worship isn’t for God because He needs it—it’s for us, because we do.” “We’re always worshiping something—songs, symbols, brands. The question is: what are we ascribing worth to?” “When worship becomes truly communal, it dismantles hierarchy, promotes unity, and invites liberation.”

Resources Mentioned: • “O Holy Night” – Historical analysis and modern re-recording coming soon in this series. • Placide Cappeau – Author of original French poem “Minuit, Chrétiens” • John Sullivan Dwight – Translator and abolitionist who popularized the hymn in the U.S. • The Wanderer Series Archive – Watch on VOXOLOGY TV

Join Tim on this journey of rediscovering worship as a practice rooted in resistance, justice, and community-building. Subscribe, leave a review wherever you listen, and follow along on social media to reflect, deconstruct, and reimagine this essential practice of faith.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store! ETSY

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy