Holiday Blessings

Dec 24, 2023

Ever since I was little, “Silent Night” has been my favorite Christmas carol. It’s partly because of the beautiful language.

“Shepherds quake at the sight...”

“Glories stream from Heaven afar...”

“Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia...”

“...with the dawn of redeeming grace.”

Even before I knew what the words meant, I loved the sound of them. They felt elegant, even inspired.

Today I would call them “transcendent.” That’s a word I often talk about with other writers.

Every great story has an element of transcendence—the moment when the main character grows or changes in some way. It might be like George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life when he realizes that his whole town loves him.

Or the characters in a Hallmark movie who finally share their first kiss, overcoming all obstacles and falling in love.

Or even the famous Grinch, who tries to steal Christmas and instead ends up celebrating it with his new friends, the Whos.

We all experience the dawn of redeeming grace, although it may seem less lyrical than those words from “Silent Night.” Maybe we’re just glad we can face another day, or that the bills get paid, or that our kids and grandkids are safe.

But every moment in our lives when we feel that all is calm, all is bright—even if it’s just for a second—we’re experiencing transcendence.

The world certainly doesn’t look calm, and lots of days it doesn’t look bright. But you can still find peace and radiance inside yourself, no matter what the rest of the world is up to.

So that’s my Christmas wish for you. To find moments of quiet in this busy season. To ask Spirit to help you feel the calm and bright light within you. And to know that transcendence is part of your story every time you remember love.

I’m sending you infinite gratitude for being part of my life, and best wishes for abundant joy this holiday season and every day.

With love,
Deb

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