THE SILENT STARS GO BY.

On Sunday, we sang my favorite Christmas hymn at the end of the service–we sang the traditional American tune (St. Louis) but I’m also a fan of Forest Green. Anyway, i just really love the words–and I left Grace Church humming as I walked along the dirty streets of Union Square. I have two more days of work (ugh) before I get to head home to lovely St. Louis. So while you enjoy your time off, please put in a good word for me with the weather gods on Wednesday–and also the breaking news gods for the next two nights.

O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM

O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight

For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love
O morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And Peace to men on earth

How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still,
The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born to us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel

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SLEEPERS, WAKE!

What a lovely, lovely weekend. Friday, I hiked all over the UWS in search of a tree–finally settling on one at the tree stand across the street. I had some friends over for a little tree-trimming party and champagne punch on Saturday night. The tree is a delight.

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And it’s Advent, again. My favorite church season. The best hymns. And I like the reminder to wake up and be aware. It’s easy to forget–especially among the hustle and bustle of New York and holiday shopping and overflowing inboxes. So anyway, happy Advent!