Merry Christmas

The Manger by Gertrude Kasebier

This past Sunday, I decided to read some of Luke while waiting for my ward's choir practice to begin. My family had always begun in Luke 2, but I couldn't remember the chapter so I started in Luke 1. I had never really read this chapter myself (except perhaps while half asleep in Seminary), and while the general story was not new to me, the specific verses were. Mary's reaction to the angel and the news he brought really touched me; her humility and joy at such a gift were so strong (see Luke 1:46-55, in particular 1:46-49). Luke 2:19 touched me as well and helped me to understand Mary as a person. She seems to have been soft-spoken but strong, loving, and intelligent. She was the mother of our Savior, and a role model among women. I hope one day that I can be like her, the young girl that brought Christ into the world.

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht!
Alles schläft, einsam wacht
Nur das traute, hochheilige Paar.
Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar,
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh,
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,
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,
Christ, in deiner Geburt