Christmas Eve — it is the most enchanting night of the year. I can only imagine how cold it was centuries ago in Bethlehem when Christ was born. A little baby born in a stable was wrapped and placed in a manger while his mother, Mary, and Joseph hovered over him. Many times in the Bible it is noted that Mary “pondered these things in her heart.” No doubt she pondered many things that beautiful night when her baby was born.
I feel the significance of the phrase in one of my favorite carols, “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” and think it is just as relevant today as when the song was written. “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.” It was sung in our church last week, and behind me sat a little girl who was singing joyfully with not a care in the world. I pondered in my heart those words and thought about how fearful we are today after some of the events that have occurred lately. As she sang the song, I prayed that peace would come to our world so that the innocence of children may once again be experienced. Our hopes and fears are met in the Christ Child.
I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a time of love and peace. May the joy of innocent children reside in your hearts during this beautiful holiday.
Merry Christmas with love,
Phyllis