Every Shining Christmas


Just before the tragic circumstances of September 11, 2011 unfolded, my mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. As our family navigated what turned out to be the last days of her life, our grief seemed to get mixed and compounded with that felt by all Americans.

In addition to the unfathomable grieving going on in Connecticut due to the school slayings, I’ve been so aware of how it’s affected others who’ve suffered personal losses this time of year.

That year my mother died, when it came Christmas time, I wasn’t sure I could celebrate. However, the Lord began to speak to me, and I wrote the lyrics of a song, “Every Shining Christmas.”

For all those who find Christmas bittersweet, I pray you’ll find a bit of comfort in these words.

Every Shining Christmas
Some years every dream’s fulfilled, there’s joy in every place.
Some years there are disappointments, in our hearts an empty space.
Some years hopes are high with babies to be born.
Some years there are shadows falling someone to be mourned,
But still,
Every blessed Christmas,
Yes, every shining Christmas
I’ll take my place with those who sing your praise.
And through tears of joy or tears of sorrow
The bright star to Bethlehem I’ll follow
And worship you with all my heart once more.
 
Some years our legs are strong, we’re running hard the race.
Some years with a body weak, we stumble to the pace.
Some years in abundance, some years with less
At Christmas as always your name we confess.
Every blessed Christmas,
Yes, every shining Christmas
I’ll take my place with those who sing your praise.
And through tears of joy or tears of sorrow
The bright star to Bethlehem I’ll follow
And worship you with all my heart once more.
Beverly Chitwood Varnado c2001
 
Merry Christmas from all the Varnados!