Yesterday, I got to play piano for a dear friend's "Christmas Tea". Many wonderful ladies of all different ages and walks of life pop in and out all afternoon to visit and make merry over a lovely spread of Christmas goodies, in a gorgeously decorated, charming old Victorian house that is just huge enough to accommodate all this goodness. And I get to sit there at a beautiful little grand piano and play Christmas music between my eating/chatting breaks. It's always delightful.
I love that I have an opportunity to practice and play all the beautiful, familiar Christmas carols set to different arrangements. Being a busy mom, I don't always make (or find) the time to spend just playing like I used to when I was a teenager. It is still something I love so much, and this tea is a wonderful way to have my time in music.
My all-time favorite Christmas song to play is Silent Night. When I sit down to play this song, and my fingers find the first few notes, something immediately comes over me. Maybe it is the beautiful melody of this song. Maybe it is the words that speak of that blessed night so long ago. Whatever it is, it is peaceful. I feel still. Calm. I find myself in a hushed and reverent place, quite apart from all the hustle, bustle, and craziness that can come with this time of year. And, at the same time, it makes me think of lovely things like Christmas lights and snow, hot chocolate and family. It is a warm, almost nostalgic feeling. It's almost as if I can take one deep breath while I play this song and be reminded of everything I love about this season-- and why. Each part of this holiday is special and wonderful, but it becomes even more lovely when bathed in the glow of what "Silent Night" sings about.
I think we all need a "Silent Night" to play. We all need a way to be still, to find time for reverence and peace in this time of year when we celebrate Christ's coming to this earth. The world wants us to buy more presents, put up better lights, spend more money, and watch silly "Christmas" specials like Shrek the Halls (yuck). But what could be better than a little time for reflection and stillness, so that we may enjoy that much more everything else God sends our way this month.
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin
Mother and child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born
Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
2 comments:
Awww, Silent Night is my favorite Christmas song. I know what you mean. I used to play the piano a lot when I was younger, but then we had to give the piano back to my grandparents. Kind of sad!
This reminds me of when we were younger around Christmastime, we would go to grandma's house and dig into her piano bench. I knew very basic piano from playing the trumpet, so I would try and try to play Christmas music. Then grandma would kindly take over and play much better than I could.
That Christmas tea sounds like it was quite fun! Silent Night is definitely one of my favorites, but I also like O Come All Ye Faithful. That is a great one too :)
Post a Comment