lyrics and a single from Enya's And Winter Came
December 25, 2008: For Christmas Week, I have updated this post with a newer version of the music video I thought you might enjoy. This recently released single from Enya's new winter album is truly a heart-warming masterpiece of the simple things that make this time of year memorable and filled with anticipation. The lyrics and melody captured for me what it means to not only "honor the holidays" of all religions but to always observe the real reason behind the season.

If you are reading this, (while listening to the music), then you are likely among the nostalgia-smitten folks who on a Saturday night in early December felt that stirring inside upon discovering that it was actually snowing! and it stayed on the ground! These are the kinds of people who start playing Christmas music before Thanksgiving, and get all giddy when the calendar finally turns to December. They gaze longingly at Currier & Ives engravings, wondering when they'll ever see a wintery evening like that. Yes, I am one of them, so I can speak with authority on this subject. Our anticipation is so great we'll fall for any mention of it anywhere. At least once a year, we're hoodwinked by the oldest trick in the book, when someone pulls a convincing exclaim of "Look, it's snowing!" (complete with finger pointed at the window), followed by "Ha ha, made you look!" Then, some of us can't even think straight the first time it really is happening. Almost ritual-like, we go to the window, mouth agape - and then just walk out the front door - without a coat or even the thought of one. It's not enough to just see it, you have to go out and feel it, smell the pristine crispness of the air, and hear how it's falling seems to dampen out all the imperfections and busyness in this life- even if for a few moments.
You know the feeling, because there's something so refreshing and invigorating about snow falling right where you are. Although we all grumble at times about what it means for travel, when handed the surprise, I know some of you collar up the dog and go for a brisk walk. Others throw open all the drapes, brew a cup of Mocha and sit back to drink in the view of this pleasant gift from God's creation. For some of us, the feeling may not be joy, but rather sadness as snow this time of year can also reignite pain we thought had been extinguished. However, we all take a first glance outside at that first real snowfall, and feel a brief but collective sense of peace.
Who hasn't seen children of all creeds and colors instantly immerse themselves in the joy of a new snowfall, acting as if this moment was divinely fashioned just for them? The arrival of each newly fallen snow should reassure in our hearts the truth that God still loves us as his children, despite all our weaknesses and blemishes. Seeing "white in the winter night" last Saturday reminded me that despite the pain and conflict of this world, God covers all of us with a blanket of white, so he can share with us the purity of his love. Experiencing that love is so much more valuable than the gold, or the candlelight, the green or the mistletoe. While those time-honored traditions make the season special...what's better than any gift or intention, is the meaning behind "white in the winter night that everyone remembers."
It's because we have all felt the joy of seeing snow for the very first time, and maybe once, secretly believed it was sent especially for us. Truth be told, that snow was intended for you, in the same way God intended to send a helpless infant named Jesus to Earth 2,000 years ago to save all of us. Now that's what everyone remembers, and I hope you will too.
During this holiday season and in the winter to follow, I wish upon you and your family an opportunity to revel in the serenity of snow falling wherever you may be. When that time comes, perhaps you'll also hear a distant choir singing "Glory...Glory.....Glory" and know in your heart that the real glory of God is that he always has, and always will love you.