'Silent night, Holy night,
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and Child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in Heavenly peace,
Sleep in Heavenly peace.

Silent night, Holy night,
Shepherds quake at the sight;
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born!

Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love's pure light;
Radiant beams from Thy Holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.'

These words are so familiar to us, we sing them every year during the Christmas season. They hold such a special place in my heart, and every year I look forward to singing this song. Christmas is a special time filled with smells of Christmas, family, friends, food, lights, giving, and gifts. Often though, the true meaning of Christmas is lost in all the celebrating, and festivities. What is the true meaning of Christmas? It's not about Santa, or gifts, or even family. It is a time to acknowledge, and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Savior. He was born in a lowly manger, to a virgin, and a carpenter, not a palace or kingdom, not to the wealthy or to royalty. He was born in a manger in Bethlehem, surrounded by livestock, and dirt. He was not born in a great city, in a spotless room, surrounded by comfort. He came to give eternal life to us, and give us a hope, and joy. A silent night, a holy night, full of love, and grace. The Prince of Peace, Emmanuel, Son of God, God with us, Jesus Christ.

Also, Christmas is a time for giving. I love watching people give to others and treat each other with kindness through the Christmas season. There is just something about this season that brings out the kindness in our hearts, and makes us more willing to give of ourselves to others.We give more freely, and there is more joy evident. I feel like there is a different atmosphere around Christmas time, and I wish it was all year around that we acted this way towards each other, or that it was at least more evident; the joy and kindness gives Christmas that special warm feeling during this time along side the celebration of the birth of Christ.

There are so many things about Christmas that I enjoy, celebrating the birth of Jesus, the lights, the cold, the hot chocolate, the snow (only on Christmas though), the giving, family, friends, music, gifts, kindness, love, and all the things that accompany Christmas. My hope is that everyone gets to experience the joy, and love of this season, surrounded by loved ones, whether that is friends, family, or others.

So whatever your reason is for celebrating Christmas is this year, I hope that you experience the ultimate gift of Christmas, Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas!

'And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”' Luke 2:9-14

'Silent Night' - Franz Xaver Gruber 1818