Night of Song

"Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself about you like a shawl. But it warmed more than your body. It warmed your heart...filled it, too, with melody that would last forever."

~ Bess Streeter Aldrich (1881-1954), American author, 'Song of Years'.

The Quiet Country House is nearly ready for a quiet evening gathering. The children usually frost sugar cookies on Christmas Eve to fill some of the waiting hours. We open a few gifts on Christmas eve. Often, there is a package of fresh new pjs for each family member... some years new slippers. We eat a "feast of snacks" on Christmas Eve, in place of a regular meal. I'll play some carols on the old piano that I took lessons on almost 40 years ago. Most likely a wiggly five year old will sit on the bench with me, adding a tinkling descant on the keys that sit too temptingly before him. Maybe we'll play this one and sing the beautiful lyrics written by Wihla Hutson and Alfred Burt over half a century ago...

Some Children See Him

"Some children see Him lily white,

the baby Jesus born this night.

Some children see Him lily white,

with tresses soft and fair.

Some children see Him bronzed and brown,

The Lord of heav'n to earth come down.

Some children see Him bronzed and brown,

with dark and heavy hair.

Some children see Him almond-eyed,

this Savior whom we kneel beside.

Some children see Him almond-eyed,

with skin of yellow hue.

Some children see Him dark as they,

sweet Mary's Son to whom we pray.

Some children see him dark as they,

and, ah! they love Him, too!

The children in each different place

will see the baby Jesus' facelike theirs,

but bright with heavenly grace,

and filled with holy light.

O lay aside each earthly thing

and with thy heart as offering,

come worship now the infant King.

'Tis love that's born tonight!"

May blessings wrap around you on this "night of song" and all through the year. Wherever you are, however you celebrate, I wish you love and warm memories of this season.

photos by Haiku, December 22, 2008