We're going to have a white Christmas here on Long Island. The snow has not melted much and it's still very cold. We're all gathered around our tree in anticipation of the excitement to come (we're leaving for vacation in 2 days so the presents will be opened early this year) In the midst of all the excitement I had to stop and take a moment to reflect on the what this holiday is really all about; the birth of the Christ...the first gift of Christmas. As my teens tear through the wrapping paper and "ooh" and "ahh" over their gifts, I hope they will never forget the true meaning of Christmas.
Here is a beautiful rendition of "O Holy Night" as sung by Swedish tenor, Jussi Björling, possibly the greatest tenor who ever lived...my gift to you this Christmas Eve. Enjoy your holidays my dear friends, and blessed be the name of the Lord!
O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining.
It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh hear the angel voices!
Oh night divine! Oh night when Christ was born!
Oh night divine! Oh night! Oh night divine!
Chains shall he break for the slave is our brother,
and in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we;
Let all within us praise his holy name.
Christ is the lord, that ever, ever praise we.
Noel! Noel! Oh night;oh night divine!
Noel! Noel! Oh night; oh night divine!
Noel! Noel! Oh night; oh night divine!
