I treasure memories of Christmas Day at Grandma’s house. After the turkey was consumed, the dishes washed, and the gifts shared – all the aunts and uncles gathered around the old upright piano to sing carols. I sat at the piano, bungling many a note. My dad and uncles threw in their enthusiastic harmony. My aunt was proud of her good strong alto. We sang, on and on, but the best was saved for last: “O Holy Night.” To my young ear, it could have been the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing heartily behind me.

What a glorious Christmas song it is! The first two lines set the stage. There we are on the darkened hillside with the shepherds. Only the stars light up the clear night sky.

   “O holy night, the stars are brightly shining
        It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.”

The music builds, the voices soar higher and we reach that wonderful climax of —

“Fall on your knees, O hear the angels voices.
        O night divine, O night when Christ was born.”

Well, those loved ones around the piano have all gone on to their eternal reward, every one of them. But their voices still sing in my heart each Christmas. And this year, once again, our troubled world needs this message of hope:

“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
        For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!”

Our Savior Jesus was born in a humble manger, but the voices of the angels sang out – it was truly an awesome and holy morn. God’s divine gift at Christmas was the greatest sign of his boundless love for humankind. On this Christmas morning remember that Jesus came for you, He loves you, He loves you unconditionally. And once again, it is a glorious morn!

Judy

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:13-14