Walk with me through the snowy Swedish countryside. Follow the lane, as daylight fades and stars begin to twinkle. In the distance candlelight flickers in the windows of the old country church. Walk on in the starlit darkness for soon we’ll hear the choir singing, the music beckons.

The composer of the Swedish song, Koppången (Holy Night), sets that scene in the opening verse. As I listen to a rendition by Swedish mezzo soprano, Anne Sofie Von Otter, I’m drawn into the icy darkness. The souls gathered in that country church are waiting in hope, caught for a moment, sharing a dream about their destination. Those who have left them had these same thoughts. Now they sparkle in the darkness, stars in the night sky. Walk on my friend, it’s peaceful in that church.

I first heard this beautiful Swedish song on the radio, WJMJ (yes, Jesus, Mary & Joseph). This Catholic station in Hartford played no Christmas music until December 24th, but during December they played this Advent song frequently. I listened as I worked at my desk in the church office. I knew I had to find the CD. I did, “Home for Christmas,” by Anne Sofie Von Otter. Now twenty years later, I continue to cherish the haunting melody and message.

This verse is just one of my favorites among the heart-felt lyrics.

“It is cold out here, the snow is white
but I am warm deep inside.
I am warm ‘cause I know that
my faith will be my guide.”*

The closing stanza . . .

“Holy night, I feel like a child inside,
and believe he was sent.
So I’m lighting a candle
each Sunday in Advent.”*

I’d like to share this beautiful song with you.

Judy

*Koppången, Music: Pereik Moraeus. Arrangement: Kalle Moraeus, Began Jansson. Lyrics: Gesangsstext, Py Backman.