I’ve written about this song many times before (including in this post while living in Manhattan) because it is my all-time favorite carol as well as my children’s nightly lullaby:
O little town of Bethlehem,
how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
the silent stars go by;
yet in thy dark streets shineth
the everlasting light.
The hopes and fears of all the years
are met in thee tonight.
The imagery of dark streets illuminated, and years of dreamless sleep ended, are touchstones for me.
We are in so many ways living in a figurative Bethlehem right now: anticipating, straining for light, sustained by hope yet burdened by fear. I hope this Christmas you have a moment where you look around and see the light around and within!
Merry Christmas!
P.S. Let me hold you while I may.
P.P.S. On saying what I think.
P.P.P.S. The only way out is through.