Silent Night

As I was exercising this evening, I was reminiscing over the wonderful Christmas break I had.  But one memory came to mind, it was when I attended the 10pm Christmas Eve Service at the church Pat and I will be married in.  

My family never went to church every Sunday, but we tried to make it for the big holidays.  So, I've been much more of a spiritual person than religious.  Always felt a little uncomfortable in churches, just because it's a very personal thing for me.  But, this church I feel more comfortable every time I attend.  My whole family was baptized there, my dad's funeral was held there, and I really enjoy listening to Pastor Geoffrey McLean.  

Anyway, at the very end of the service was the lighting of the candles.  But this time, instead of simply lighting the candles in silence, we all sang Silent Night over and over with the piano.  When everyone had lit their candle, we sang it a cappella.  It was gorgeous and I had to stop singing, I was crying too much.  Just remembering the past year and missing Dad.  But, the moment was also nice to know that everyone in that room could come together no matter what, and simply show the greatness of man.  I may sound jaded sometimes, but I do believe in the goodness of mankind and the power we can create.  I also believe now, more than ever, that there is a higher power and a better place that we can only know when we've passed on.  

I am extremely grateful for the people in my life.