I was watching a television talk show one evening. Towards the end of the show a woman asked a man if he knew when the Christmas song “Silent Night” was written. “No, said the man, but I am sure it was written in the last century because I have sung it all of my life.”
“Yes, I think it was too, but it would be interesting to know more about that song. It’s such a beautiful song with a simple melody , and the words make us think. What could be better than that?”
I wonder how many folks know about the beginning of “Silent Night”. So I’m Going to tell you. Back around 500 years ago, an organist was working on his music for the Christmas Eve service that night. As he started to play he found that no air would come through the bellows. He was very upset because the service would be held in a couple of hours! What would he do? The mice had chewed holes in the bellows!
He went to get his guitar his guitar and started to strum. He picked out what seemed like a pretty melody. The words came easy to him, even though he didn’t call himself a song writer! He used it that night and the people liked it so well, they asked for it again and again! It has become the most popular Christmas Carol ever since.
A legend that has followed in the same time period is one I like. Martin Luther was walking to the evening Worship Hour at the church when he spied an evergreen tree. A star seemed to hang right on top of it! He watched it for a long time. After he went to bed that night, He kept thinking about that star on the tree. In the morning, he cut down a small evergreen tree and brought into the house. Then he made a star and fastened it on top of the tree. Many people of that church made the same thing the next Christmas and so it has been throughout the ages.
So the next time you are outside after dark, Look at an evergreen tree. Does it have a star on top? And, the next time you are singing “Silent Night”, remember that night 500 years ago when a man played it only because mice had chewed the bellows in the church organ.
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.
GramMa's Thoughts 