"For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!"

Sometimes the trials, heartaches and sadnesses of this life seem magnified somehow against the backdrop of the glittering Christmas lights and jovial sounds. But tonight, as I was pondering the trials and difficulties that so many people I know and love are facing, I remembered that Christmas should infuse a "thrill of hope" to all, but especially to those who are in need of succor. Jesus Christ came to earth to provide deliverance to all who would accept. He delivers us from the "monsters" of sin and death, but also from heartache, and heart-break, from pain and sorrow caused by other's choices, from depression, from addiction, from disease, from loneliness. He came because of love, and His love is powerful enough to heal and to free, to correct and to comfort. The love of our Father in Heaven to send His Only Begotten Son, and the love of our Savior to come for each of us truly should bring us a "thrill of hope" for which this "weary world" can rejoice. Merry Christmas! May the true Spirit of the season lighten your loads, and bring hope to your hearts!

Here is my humble addition to the beloved classic: (I don't expect this to catch on.)

Silent Night, Holy Night.
Here I kneel, Seeking Light.

God, heal my heart,
Heal my soul, hear my plea.
Help me remember
Thy Son came for me.

Help me to trust and believe
Through Him I will be made free.


Silent Night, Holy Night.
Shadows flee; Breaking light.

He has all power,
all glory, all grace.
He heals my soul,
wipes the tears from my face.

Savior, my Prince of Peace,
Jesus, I trust and believe.