holidays

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One candle…grant us peace

As the shortest day and the longest night unfold, it is evident the winter solstice is upon us once again. Last evening, we savored a beautiful symphony concert where the local youth chorus shared their glorious pure voices in celebration of the season. Accompanied by various orchestral instruments, several stepped forth in solos and duets to a packed audience in attendance. The last three selections involved audience participation with our individual candles and our voices raised with them in song. Two young ladies stepped up to a microphone to begin a beautiful number called, “One Candle,” with the words and music by Andy Beck and Brian Fisher (both local composers and lyricists). The glow of our individual candles slowly shining collectively reminded me again how both the darkness and the light hold space for each of us. Even more importantly, when we share our light with others, light prevails over darkness. Even as we prepare for the darker winter nights ahead, may we focus on the blessing of the light within us…and wherever you find yourself on this longest night, keep faith that tomorrow brings a sliver of more light. May this light grant you and yours peace.

One Candle (by Andy Beck and Brian Fisher)

One candle, one light, burning clear throughout the night; one candle, one symbol of peace. One candle, plus one, now a glimmer has begun; two candles, two symbols of peace.

Dona nobis, nobis pacem (“grant us peace”); in the glow of candlelight I see. Dona nobis, nobis pacem, peace for you and me.

Three candles, then four, shining stronger than before; five candles, six candles burn bright. More candles join us, see a spark of hope begin. Each candle increasing the light.

Dona nobis, nobis pacem, in the glow of candlelight I see. Dona nobis, nobis pacem; peace for you and me.

Your candlelight with mine will radiate and shine; growing stronger, for all the world to see, you and me.

Dona nobis, nobis pacem, in the glow of candlelight I see. Dona nobis, nobis pacem; peace for you and me. Peace for you and me…

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Traditional treasures…

Most likely you have a favorite holiday tradition or two…something you treasure each year as the season comes around again.  Whether it’s placing a special ornament on the tree, watching a favorite holiday movie together, visiting a certain jolly fellow (in our family, the Northpark Santa IS the real Santa), or doing a familiar holiday activity together, you have a tradition you never want to miss.

My sister and I would always write long, detailed letters to Santa each year; it was our tradition together in fact.  My parents would then take us downtown to Titches (yes, I’m that old), to visit with St. Nick to share our letters.  I would never tell my parents what I wrote even though they would do any number of things to make me “spill it” (Momma says I’m stubborn that way; go figure?!).  It took me a while to pin down exactly why they wanted to know this personal information.  (The picture is me in third grade with my sister, Becky talking with Santa).  Writing our letters was a tradition we shared together.  Today, we still write our shopping lists (using email or text) because great minds think alike and we’ve also been known to buy the same present for a family member.  Talking and planning (along with writing) with my sister are traditions during the holidays and everyday I never want to miss!

During our morning message today, I asked students about the blessing of traditions, so this leads me to our question today:  What are your favorite family holiday traditions?  In whatever way your family chooses to define the holiday season and make seasonal memories, here’s hoping you take time to reflect together on special traditions.  If you don’t have a favorite tradition, here’s hoping you start one this year!

Note:   A special PTO holiday tradition at LME is the annual Penguin Patch Shop going on all week on campus.  They will also be open Thursday evening before and after the 3rd Grade Holiday Program for your shopping convenience.