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!
