Silent Night

On this the two hundredth anniversary since Silent Night first debuted as a Christmas carol, much has been written about the poem's author, Father Joseph Franz Mohr and Franz Xaver Gruber who put the words to music.  It is reportedly the most beloved Christmas song of all time and has been translated into more languages than any other.  In the movie, Joyeux Noel, which depicts the famous WWI Christmas Eve truce, the music of Silent Night echoed in the night air which, at least for a brief moment, allowed the warring countries to lay down their weapons of destruction.  In that case at least, the calming melody knew no enemy and spawned a unity in the face of hatred.

It is my hope that the true meaning of Christmas which resonates so clearly in the lyrics of Silent Night remain on our minds and in our hearts all year long.  Peace on earth and goodwill to all peoples!