Where Peace, Hope, & Love Abide
I shared this with you all last December, and the message is worth repeating. The prayer for peace on earth is as earnest and heartfelt today as ever. May the peace of Christ dwell richly in our hearts, offering hope and reminding us of the everlasting love that will never forsake us.
Christmastide is one of the seasons of the liturgical year in the Christian church defined as the period between Christmas Eve and Epiphany. The same period is also commonly known as The Twelve Days of Christmas, as in the popular Christmas carol, or "yuletide" as in the carol Deck the Halls.
The St. Olaf Chorus, the American Boychoir, and the Atlanta Sacred Chorale, among others, have all recorded a beautiful anthem titled This Christmastide. I have the ASC Christmas CD in my office, and I listen to it in its entirety several times over when I need mental and spiritual respites from the demanding work of the Christmas season.
This Christmastide is the last selection on the CD by the same name. When it begins to play, I often stop what I am doing, close my eyes, and just listen. This Christmastide is also known as Jessye's Carol because it was originally written for soprano Jessye Norman. As much as I love the richness of her voice, though, I prefer the recordings that are sung in quiet unison or simple harmony.
The gift of music is a glorious one, and I hope you will take a few minutes out of your hectic day to listen to the voices of angels and reflect on the story born of old.
Christmas blessings to each and every one of you ... this Christmastide!
This Christmastide
Words: Jane McCulloch / Music: Donald Fraser
Green and silver, red and gold, and a story born of old.
Truth and love and hope abide, this Christmastide, this Christmastide.
Holly, ivy, mistletoe, and the gently falling snow.
Truth and love and hope abide, this Christmastide, this Christmastide.
From a simple ox's stall came the greatest gift of all.
Truth and love and hope abide, this Christmastide, this Christmastide.
Children sing of hope and joy at the birth of one small boy.
Truth and love and hope abide, this Christmastide, this Christmastide.
Let the bells ring loud and clear, ring out now for all to hear.
Truth and love and hope abide, this Christmastide, this Christmastide.
Trumpets sound and voices raise in an endless stream of praise.
Truth and love and hope abide, this Christmastide, this Christmastide.
Green and silver, red and gold, and a story born of old.
Truth and love and hope abide, this Christmastide, this Christmastide.
Prayer for Today
Amidst the green and silver, red and gold, may we all remember the story born of old this Christmastide. May the truth and love and hope of Christmas abide in our hearts this day and forevermore. Amen.
