So this is Christmas.

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth

Long lay the world in sin and error, pining
Till He appeared, and the soul felt its worth

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!...

My favorite Christmas song. It wasn't until just a few years ago that I for once really listened to the words, and was surprised at how there is such meaning in them, and how profound it is.

*****

I may have done this last year, but here are the lyrics to one of the loveliest and saddest songs ever, found in of all things Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol. As a musical cartoon, Belle sings this to Ebenezer.

Winter was warm
Summer soft that year
The winter was warm

Without a sign of frost
Like winter lost
Its way that year

It seems as I recall
No blossoms fell that fall
May didn't leave at all

Or did love paint an illusion?

Now trees with a sigh
Stand and shiver
While their dreams fall and die

And all my dreams are there
Wrapped up somewhere
In summer leaves

Oh, what I'd give to be
To be in love again

This year the winter is cold
Will it ever be warm
As it was then?