The Other Verses to "Silent Night"

Did you know that there are six verses to Silent Night? Most of us are familiar with the first three verses, which are beautiful and memorable, but there is more to this gift given to us by Joseph Mohr, who wrote these lyrics in 1818. (My changes to the lyrics are indicated by [ ].)
4. Silent Night, Holy Night
Here at last, healing light
From the heavenly kingdom sent,
Abundant grace for our intent.
Jesus, salvation for all.
Jesus, salvation for all.
5. Silent Night! Holy Night
Sleeps the world in peace tonight.
God sends [the] Son to earth below
A Child from whom all blessings flow
Jesus, embraces [hu]mankind.
Jesus, embraces [hu]mankind.
6. Silent Night, Holy Night
Mindful of [our mortal] plight
The Lord in Heav'n on high decreed
From earthly woes we would be freed
Jesus, God's promise for peace.
Jesus, God's promise for peace.
As I read/sing through these lyrics, I am struck by a couple of images this year.  The first is the image of Jesus as our “healing light.”  This will be the first Christmas without my father, and it is more difficult than I thought it would be.  I know many of you are also missing loved ones this year and perhaps are having similar feelings.  Yet knowing that God’s presence in our lives breaks through at any moment we allow Christ’s light to shine heals me a little bit.  I will never not miss my parents, but I know that the glimpses of God’s presence on earth that we see and experience are just foretastes of what they are experiencing for eternity.  That is a true gift.
The other part that I find very apropos this year is in verse six, “From earthly woes we would be freed.”  2014 saw a lot of “earthly woes,” from senseless deaths of civilians and police officers to Ebola to draught in the west, in addition to our personal situations.  Jesus’ birth did not end our “mortal plight,” but it does put our lives into perspective – that we are not alone in the midst of our woes.  God is with us – Emmanuel – and we have been given the gift to walk with Jesus to find solace, comfort and peace.  We continue that gift when we offer solace, comfort and peace to each other, neighbor and stranger alike. 
I pray that you and those whom you love have a blessed and holy Christmas, and may you know and feel God’s presence in your life today and always.

Merry Christmas,

Rev. Valerie+

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