Candle in the Wind

     The title for today's blog most likely already has a song playing in your head.  It has the same effect on me.  The problem is that there is a battle in my mind between that one and another song that comes to mind.  It's a battle of the bands in my brain, so to speak.  They are there for very different reasons and yet for the same reason.  Confused? 
     Long before the tribute to Marilyn Monroe that you are currently listening to in you head was written, candles have always triggered a memory of Christmas Eve.  Each Christmas Eve our church service would end the very same way.  Everyone would get a candle, the ushers would light them and then all the lights in the church would be turned off as we sang together the traditional hymn of Silent Night as we exited the church.  It was my favorite part of the service (and not just because it meant the service was over and I could open my Christmas Eve gift).  There was something about the candlelit moment that was (and still is) breathtaking.   The effect was lessened as we each went our separate ways and the bright light we created together became dimmer and dimmer.  Therein lies the battle of the music and the reminder for me today.
     Excitement builds as tomorrow is once again Christmas Eve (as I write this) and yet we are not promised tomorrow.  I know so many people who have lost a loved one this year.  Precious people who's light has now been extinguished on this earth.  The loved ones left behind here desperately try to remember the good while dealing with the loss and sorrow.  For them, the battle of the hope of Silent Night is warring with the melancoly of the Candle in the Wind.  Love vs. Loss.  Hope vs. Despair.  Peace vs. Fear.  Where is the answer?  The answer is found in the words that we have heard a thousand times.

¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.                                                                            Luke 2:10-11

     In just a couple of days we will celebrate a holiday which has changed the world.  Whether you believe that Christ was the Messiah or not (and I pray you believe) it has had an effect on your life.   For those who believe, Christmas, combined with Easter is the very reason why those who are struggling with their loss have hope in tomorrow.  Hope, Love, and the Peace come from the fact that they and their loved ones have a relationship with Christ and will therefore see each other again.  This by no means diminishes their grief or struggle to continue on at the present time.  It instead does something much more powerful.  This relationship enables them to live. 
     Isn't that what it's all about?  Living?  So, I ask you to again picture the scene I described earlier.  A room in darkness, illuminated only by candlelight and filled with sound of voices.  Both the voices and the light reminding us that while we too will one day be a candle in the wind, right now we are to live in Love, Hope and Peace. 

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.

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.

Silent night, holy night!

Son of God love's pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth.
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth