The light of Christmastide

One winter when I was living in Eastern Europe, I had gone to a mountain resort for skiing. The skiing was not very good, but the snow lay like a thick white carpet over the landscape.

On Christmas Eve I went out for a walk in the late afternoon. My path took me away from the crowd and bustle, and around a quiet hillside. There, in the gathering dusk, I passed a small house with snow-covered roof. In the uncurtained window stood a little Christmas tree, lighted with candles, whose light shone out to the passer-by. And as I walked by, I heard the strains of a violin playing a soft melody from some other house beyond.

That little lighted tree in the window, shining out into the night, and the soft strains of music in the distance made an unforgettable impression. The lights were there to shine out the message of the birth of him who is the light of the world. As St. John says of the Christ, which Christ Jesus demonstrated, "That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." John 1:9. And the music seemed an echo of the song the angels sang, proclaiming peace on earth, good will to men.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Poem
Shhh! Angels afoot!
December 23, 1985
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit