A mighty joy

By Anni Ulich

Not long after the Second World War had ended in Germany, on a wintry night a few months after my father had died of starvation, my mother took us children to a church not far from the center of town to listen to the "Christmas Oratorio" by Johann Sebastian Bach. It was the first time I had ever heard it.

We entered the shadowy, candle-lit church, sat down on the steps of the altar because all the seats were taken, and covered ourselves with a blanket because there was no heating. These "seats" gave us an open view of the organ gallery where the musicians and the choir were sitting.

Then it happened: The opening chorale of the oratorio suddenly filled the entire church: "Jauchzet, frohlocket! auf, preiset die Tage! Rühmet, was heute der Höchste gentan!"—Exalt, rejoice! Up, praise the days! Sing the praises for what the Most High has done today!"

An indescribable rejoicing filled the church, a rejoicing praise that in those days of need, of worry, want, and sorrow was completely unfamiliar to me. And my child's heart was in deep wonder. Why was there so much happiness and praising? Where did this mighty joy come from? How was one able during this terrible time to sing, "Exalt, rejoice! Up, praise the days!"?

It was an overwhelming experience which I think I shall never forget. Since then I have heard this oratorio practically every year, but that first time, there was something else. In spite of the darkness and coldness of that church building, a wonderful warmth and a comforting light came into my heart. I can still feel it. I now know that it must have been the presence of the Christ that touched me and that gave me a vision of God's protecting, guiding, and promising ever-present love.

Only much later, when I was away from my family and spent Christmas in other countries, did I understand that this childhood experience had to do with the real Christmas, the coming of the Son of God who was to tell all people about their relationship to our Father-Mother God, who is Love.

It is no wonder that, to me, Christmas—the coming of the Christ into our hearts and lives—is always related to joy and music.

In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted. For thou art the glory of their strength.

Psalms 89:16, 17

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Poetry of our love

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