a night of nights
Silent Night, Holy Night
A poem, a broken organ, a legend filled with some truths and facts. Silent Night is typically sung just one night, this night, in the Austrian Alps where it was first performed 200 years ago. If you listen to the stories the song is simply a lullaby-like melody meant for each of us to seek peace. God's peace found in that place where peace is eternal. Sung only this night so we long for peace all year long.
All is calm, all is bright
Funny, at least as I see it, that night 200 years ago starts with brokenness. The Christmas story itself is found in Luke 2 and spoken by school children, Christian congregations and families everywhere on this night is about brokenness. But the truth is that someone "allowed" the organ of the church to fall into disrepair. Some say mice, some say rust, so on that Christmas Eve long ago the choirmaster picked up his guitar and provided the support for this timeless melody.
Round yon virgin, mother and child
The birth of a Savior was born out of brokenness. Brokenness that certainly wasn't easy to fix, or even really understood by God's chosen people. Our own understanding of our brokenness, or fall into sin, is forever debated by theologians and educated folk. I'm not going to define it, but instead, know that I feel it. I can't explain it most of the time, but brokenness abides in our world and impacts all us from time to time.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild
In a broken world, in a location known only to the shepherds, a savior is born. Surrounded by animals, loving parents albeit scared, and shepherds who were told by angels to attend and then told everyone what they had seen and heard.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Because of this event, that baby was born and peace abounds. The strife of all the years before is over. Peace between God and His broken world has come. Sleep is now not only possible but bathed in the truth of heavenly peace. That truth, out of brokenness, surrounds us now! Joseph Mohr and Franz Gruber collaborated on the words and melody, but the work was accomplished years before all part of this amazing plan. May the peace of heaven be yours this Christmas and always.
It has always been this simple...
When I was a kid there was a local program on channel 9 that shaped my view of the world. When you're watching a 19 inch Black and White TV my view of the world may have been monochromatic, but it was as deep as it was wide. The show was a Chicago staple called Family Classics and during this time of year, it aired a long list of Christmas Classics.
The common factor in Christmas movies is human conflict and resolution. But that is really the theme of most of our literature, military history, and our very existence. We are built for relationship. Simple really. But not for some.
I'm reminded of these memories because it seems we've lost what really matters in our interaction with people. As much as we drive our news and media coverage with the success or failure of retail during the holidays, we've lost the message of Kris Kringle in Miracle on 34th Street. We've forgotten how both Macy's and Gimbel's finally figured it out.
CNN business reported today that Best Buy's CEO has nothing to sell, yet the company is positioned for success. That's quite a different story from six years ago when the CEO with little experience in the industry appeared on the scene. He used a little common sense and created a vision for success. Looking back at the coverage of this turn around Forbes and the New York Times also commend Joly's leadership.h
There are many lessons to be learned in each of the referenced articles, but it really comes down to a relationship. (It is Christmas after all!) Relationships with vendors and suppliers, with employees and most importantly customers. Kris Kringle had it right all along because that's what "Business 101" is about on 34th Street.
Maybe more importantly, for those of you know the story of the reason for the season, it has always been about relationship. Hasn't it? Merry Christmas Everyone!