Christmas is nigh, so the quote I choose to offer ALL comfort are words that have a deep meaning. We perceive individually, so find your comfort in your own way.
“Silent Night holy night/All is calm and all is bright/Round yon Virgin Mother and Child/Holy infant so tender and mild/Sleep in heavenly peace/ Sleep in heavenly peace.” - Written by Joseph Mohr, a young Austrian priest, in 1816 and composed on Christmas Eve by Franz Gruber in 1818.
During World War I, German and British troops celebrated together Christmas Day during a temporary cessation of hostilities known as the Christmas Truce. If we could make a wish to Santa, wouldn’t we all desire this again for a PERMANENT end of wars? God bless us all everyone; and to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, thank YOU for all the blessings and gifts YOU have bestowed upon us. Forgive us Heavenly Father for forgetting it one second!
“Silent Night’ has a personal meaning to me in 1972. It was the last song sung by Mother, Gene Grissom and myself. We did not know it, but it was our last Christmas together. As we sang, the room seemed to become quieter though the piano was producing soft notes. Three singers were singing from the heart. The words were reaching heart-strings, and soon a mother and child were exchanging tear-streaked cheeks. The man had tears running down his cheeks but never missed a note, and lifted his voice higher. Voices mingled again, but the man’s strong voice took the lead. Mother and child knew to become silent until the last verse, “Sleep in heavenly peace.” Gene rose and walked out of our home and life. Gene died Jan. 10, 1973; Mother died Dec. 5, 1973. Wasn’t I blessed to spend that night with them? Never another song we will sing; never again a gift wrapped for them; never another joke pulled by him; never another red Velvet cake baked by her hand; never a complete family holiday meal; never a tree put up without some tears; and never “our” song without tears. Even though the piano is silent -- in my heart I can hear the joyful singing of Gene and Mother and all in Paradise whom we all love.
“You can be a conqueror in all things through My love…for neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers…will separate you from My love…” – Your Heavenly Father, Romans 8:37-39
Prayer requested for Vicki Dickson; Marilyn Murphy (home now); Teressa (David) Plunk; and military off American soil. All community writers list many for prayer. We are in this together. Jesus loves His children. No matter the age we look up toward the light – that is our beacon of Faith, Hope, Charity and Love.
