2012 Songs of The Season: O Little Town of Bethlehem

If I'm being honest, O Little Town of Bethlehem has never been one of my favorites.  A classic?  Yes.  One we sing every year at Christmas Eve service?  Yes.  But it's never been a Christmas carol to really excite me.  Until this year. 

This picture you see, is an ornament on my mom and dad's tree.  When I look at it, I see peace, rest, tranquility, stillness.  When I think of the town of Bethlehem the night that Christ was born, the same adjectives come to mind - peace, rest, tranquility, stillness.  While child birth is anything but those things, I can only imagine that on that very first Christmas night, there was a hush over that humble little town.  A hush that can still be heard in the glow of a lit up tree.  Or in the peacefulness of a new blanket of snow. 

This time of year is chaotic for most of us with shopping, family, church functions, Christmas parades, baking, etc. all begging for our attention.  I hope that as you fulfill all the obligations that are demanded of you over the next three weeks, that you will take time to listen for that hush.

Merry Christmas!