Friday, December 21, 2012

My Christmas Greeting


When the lyrics of O Holy Night implore: fall on your knees—my knees actually buckle just a tiny bit.  I am filled with humility over the greatness of God.

But the song I’ll Be Home for Christmas also plays with my emotions. It is mostly because my Uncle John, a medaled war hero, once told me how he listened to it endlessly during World War II. The melody and words connected him and his fellow soldiers to their loved ones in a way their letters from home could not. The soldiers could feel the snow, presents and mistletoe—if only for a few moments in their imagination. Through music and voice, solace and Christmas grace was received amid the butchery of war.

And I am always moved by another song: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. The line through the years we all will be together if the fates allow mandates that I concede the delicacy of life—and the always uncertain future. It makes me recall all the family members who are now but a memory--people I loved who are relegated to Christmas past. I am reminded that there is value in living in the now—moment to moment.

And what I know for sure is that every Christmas is holy and divine. And if you listen carefully, you will no doubt hear the angels’ voices. Christmas heals and transcends what we think our hearts can hold.  And despite the fates, on Christmas, we are always all home together with everyone we love and have loved—if only in our sweetest of dreams.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas--now

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