Legend tells us that during WWI, hostitilities ceased temporarily on Christmas Eve when a French soldier in the trenches began singing "Oh Holy Night" and received a like response from a German soldier. As the world embarks on a new era where terror threatens to reign, it is my hope that the peaceful spirit and ideology that is at the heart of most peoples and most religions will reach out in the darkness calling to each other in one voice against those who hate and oppress. The holidays are especially stressful for those who are alone. Let those of us who have family and friends to be with, be grateful for that, and let those of us who can, reach out to share with those who do not.

Love, A Prayer, A Way
© Jane Fallon, 2005

Last night I watched a starry sky
and saw a cloud to drifting by.
How much that's like this time of year --
so many smiles, and yet a tear.

We sing holy, holy, holy. Christ is born today
to bring the world what it needs most -- love, a prayer, away.

Somewhere on earth a war has ceased.
For a moment, there is peace.
A frightened heart just now is calm
and something's right that once was wrong.
Let us keep the peace that's here tonight
in our hearts to stay at Christmas and always.

We sing holy, holy, holy, Christ is born today
to bring the world what it needs most -- love, a prayer, away.

How deep the hurt of those whose hearts
tonight are filled with pain.
A loved one lost or gone astray
is so hard to bear today.
Just take the love we share tonight
as you leave this place
at Christmas and always.

We sing holy, holy, holy,Christ is born today
to bring the world what it needs most -- love, a prayer, away.