Goodness and Light

Christmas Eve 2013

Hudson Falls, NY

Due to the times that Thoreau lived in, he doesn't have much to say on the subject of Christmas (although his family did celebrate it.) 

As for myself ... at this time of year, things are so hectic at work, keeping me indoors and busy with other things, that there is hardly a moment to reflect upon the meaning of the Holiday.

It's time to pause... Take a deep breath of cold clear air.

Last year at this time, I shared the lyrics of a Christmas song written in the 1600s.
Our song selection for today was written in … 1962 !

Interestingly enough, it was written in October of that year, when many feared a breakout of war. Sabres of the most evil kind were being rattled, and the world held its breath.

Having heard it at a very young age (and blissfully ignorant then of news of the day), 

I took the lyrics at face value, and it’s always been a favorite of mine.
Tonight it suddenly sprung to mind after reading my friend Jackie’s Christmas eve blog.

Joys of the season to you all !

Said the night wind to the little lamb
Do you see what I see ?
Way up in the sky little lamb
Do you see what I see ?
A star, a star
Dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy
Do you hear what I hear ?
Ringing through the sky shepherd boy
Do you hear what I hear ?
A song, a song
High above the tree
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea

Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king
Do you know what I know ?
In your palace wall mighty king
Do you know what I know ?
A child, a child
Shivers in the cold
Let us bring him silver and gold
Let us bring him silver and gold

Said the king to the people everywhere
Listen to what I say
Pray for peace people everywhere
Listen to what I say
The child, the child
Sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light

The child, the child
Sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light