It was an ordinary day. Even with the many health problems and illnesses that we have all experienced in the past year or so, I am still anxious for the Holiday season to arrive in full force. One of the many things I enjoy each year are singing Christmas carols. Whether it be in a group or just to myself, I pick out a few of my favorites and sing them to get ready for the arrival of Christmas Day. One of my favorites is Silent Night which was heard for the first time in a village church in Oberndorf, Austria. As the fame of this song grew, its whereabouts were slowly forgotten. Myths and tales gathered around its origin. Seems that on December 24, 1818 Joseph Gruber, who lived in an apartment over the schoolhouse in nearby ArnsdorfI, showed his friend the poem and asked him to add a melody and guitar accompaniment so that it could be sung at Midnight Mass. It was said that the assistant pastor dearly loved guitar music and wanted a new Carol for Christmas. So Silent Night was born! I can still remember singing in Church when I was a member of the boy's choir at St. James Episcopal Church in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The sexton would dim the church lights and Mr. McConnell would softly play the organ as the boys choir sang the carol. Still gives me chills as I remember how silent the church became as the voices of the young boys filled the church with glorious sounds. In case you might want to sing along as I sing to myself once again, her are the words to follow along...
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 Saviour is born!
Christ the Saviour 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!
Well, how'd you do? This Christmas carol is one you can never forget once you have learned it. You may need some help with the words of the final two verses, but the music notes are unforgettable. Hope you enjoyed singing along with me! I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Also hope you have the chance to visit with me in 2022 and read a few more of my stories. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.
 |
| Ned and I getting ready to sing Silent Night! |
No comments:
Post a Comment