December 15 - On pilgrimage in Bethlehem, we had Mass at the main altar in the Church of the Nativity.  The place of His birth was just below us and the sacredness of the moment was palpable.  We remembered how God reached out to us.  Then, a group of Filipino pilgrims whispered to me that they would like to join us and sing O Holy Night.  

The combined voices with those lyrics brought us to tears.  For a few moments, we were children again in the wonder of Christmas.  Try in the dark of night to sit around your manger and tree.  Allow the lights and the silence to touch your heart in anticipation of His coming.