Silent Night: Finding Christ through Music

What traditions invite Christ into your home for Christmas? 
Guest blogger Kristy shares her family's music filled traditions.

“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.”¹ The Christmas season has always been my most favorite time of the year.  I look forward to it all year long!!  I am one who starts putting up decorations much earlier than many would deem appropriate and playing Christmas music only in December is just not nearly enough time for me!!  Our family has so many wonderful holiday traditions that bind our family together and help us to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. We have found that our most memorable Christmas seasons are those centered on the Savior and when we can feel the Spirit with us. 

Music has always been a large part of our Christmas celebration.  One of our children’s earliest memories is listening to my grandmother playing Silent Night on her violin on Christmas Eve.  The music was so beautiful and the spirit so strong that not a child stirred as she played.  Music continues to be a large part of our Christmas Eve celebration.  Each year after dinner we all gather in my parent’s living room and each of the grandchildren sing a carol or play a song on the piano or other instrument.  The “Talent Show” gets better each year and brings such a warm spirit into the room.  After the performance we all sing a few carols together to get warmed up for our traditional caroling to a few of the neighbors.  We have a specific few we visit each year. 

Another favorite tradition of our family is to go to the Washington DC Temple and see the amazing light display and attend one of the nightly concerts in the Visitor’s Center.  Each year the lights seem more beautiful than the previous year.  There is such a peaceful spirit at the Temple and our visit there helps us to focus on the Savior as we celebrate his birth.

Music has a way to touch our souls and inspire us that the spoken word alone cannot do.  As our children have had the opportunity to sing in Church or perform with various school and church choirs we have seen the powerful impact that music has had on their testimonies.  They have been able to feel of our Savior’s love as they sing hymns and other sacred pieces.  I think of the many times I have sat and listened to Christmas Carols and the joy and peace it has brought to me.

Music has always been and will always be a major part of our Christmas traditions.  It brings us closer to our Savior.  The beautiful words and melodies serve to remind us of His birth and the example of pure love he has provided for us.

“Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight.  Glories stream from heaven afar.  Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia! Christ, the Savior is born.  Christ, the Savior is born.”¹

Reference:

1. Hymn, “Silent Night”

By Guest Blogger: Kristy