“Silent Night”

I sat in church today and knew that I would have to write a post.  In fact, I was a bit surprised how many times throughout the day that I thought about capturing my thoughts.

It was a small church – one without pretense.  As a part of the service, two young siblings stood with hymnal in hand and sang two verses of “Silent Night.”  They were accompanied simply by a piano.  The eldest reached over to encourage her brother and to move him closer to the microphone.  They were generally on pitch and sang with a sweetness and simplicity that brought me to tears.  Their song touched me almost from the very first measure.  Now, I have heard “Silent Night” sung with full orchestra, in a candlelit sanctuary, and in the midst of a 75 person choir.  But for some reason, this morning’s version without any of the usual trappings made me think, made me focus on the lyrics, and allowed me to worship.

It’s interesting that the simple voice of children can have such an impact.  While I do love harmony, a full orchestra, and the sound of a full choir, today I experienced the beautiful message brought forth by two young children.

2 thoughts on ““Silent Night”

  1. Maggie

    Hi Mrs. Berry,
    I didn’t know you had a blog until I was at the teachers’ blog section of the new Trinity School website. (I love the blog section!) Every year at my church’s advent service Lizzie and I usually sing a song together. Also, someone always sings Silent Night. At our Christmas Eve service, we all light candles and sing Silent Night in the huge sanctuary. It is always my favorite part of Christmas. Great post!
    🙂 Maggie

  2. skennedy

    I’ve always thought that the clear simple voice of a single child contains all the beauty one ever needs. Then, when many of those young voices are in harmony with each other, it is a real symphony of emotion and joy and even grace. I love your description, and am not surprised that being in church led to inspiration of many kinds.

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