Good morning, Oliver, and all who begin your day with Life-Light. Hello to all of you who read Life-Light at other times of the day.
Many years ago, I was invited to lead our Carols by Candlelight service. I wanted this to be a members’ service, so I invited contributions. One came from a lady ‘of a certain age’, who wanted to share one of her childhood memories.
Her memory was of a group of young men who sang Silent Night. This sounds quite normal, but this was no ordinary choir. The singers were POWs, and they sang Silent Night in German. Even through her childlike innocence she could see barriers beginning to break down as the worshipers shared a common bond of carol singing, intertwined with a love for God. That gave her hope, just as it gives me hope when I hear this carol, particularly when it is sung in German. I pray that you will remember the hope of that little girl, as you sing or read the carol listed below, in both English and the original German.
Today we face different struggles, such as climate change, COVID-19, and terrorism. We also face personal battles, which can be physical and/or mental. I pray this story gives you hope for 2022 and beyond, and the courage to face the challenges ahead.
Silent night, holy night
All is calm all is bright
‘Round yon virgin Mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Silent night, holy night,
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heav’nly hosts sing Alleluia;
Christ the Saviour is born
Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love’s pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht
Alles schläft; einsam wacht
Nur das traute hochheilige Paar.
Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar,
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Hirten erst kundgemacht
Durch der Engel Halleluja,
Tönt es laut von fern und nah:
Christ, der Retter ist da!
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Gottes Sohn, o wie lacht
Lieb’ aus deinem göttlichen Mund,
Da uns schlägt die rettende Stund’.
Christ, in deiner Geburt!
Melody: Franz Xaver Gruber, 1818
Words: Joseph Mohr, 1816/1818
Michael Rolton