Christmas is about the
birth of Christ
pure and simple.

Over the years traditions have developed to help bring joy to the season of Christmas bringing many sub-traditions that help us focus on the reason for the season.

---

It is centered around
family, faith, and love.
It is about traditions that help people identify to the birth of Christ.

Silent Night: The True Story

In the small Austrian village of Oberndorf, nestled near the banks of the Salzach River, a tale unfolded in 1818 that would echo through the ages. This is the story of “Silent Night,” a carol that blends the threads of fact and fables into a tapestry of Christmas tradition.

In the heart of the village stood the St. Nicholas church (yes, that St. Nicholas), where a young priest named Father Joseph Mohr served with quiet devotion. Mohr was a man of words, and in a moment of inspiration, he penned a poem that captured the essence of the holy night — a night of serene silence and celestial wonder.

Enter Franz Xaver Gruber, a schoolmaster and organist known for his love of music. When Mohr presented him with the poem, an idea sparked between them. Together, they envisioned a carol that could be sung in the gentle glow of the church, under the watchful eye of the Christmas Eve stars.

Legend whispers of a broken organ, silenced by time or perhaps by mischievous mice — a detail that adds a touch of drama to our tale. This twist of fate, the story goes, led Mohr and Gruber to create a melody that could be strummed softly on a guitar, filling the church with a harmony that required no grand organ.

On that fabled Christmas Eve, “Silent Night” notes first danced through the air of St. Nicholas church, a lullaby to the Christ Child, a hymn of heavenly peace. The congregation huddled in the warmth of shared faith, was the first to hear what would become a timeless anthem of Christmas.

Yet, as with many such tales, the truth may be less theatrical. The organ’s demise is unconfirmed, a flourish added by time. Perhaps Mohr and Gruber sought to craft a new carol for their congregation, unaware of the legacy they were creating.

Regardless of its true origins, “Silent Night” has traversed oceans and generations, a symbol of peace and tranquility in a world often anything but. Whether born of necessity or creativity, this beloved carol has become a universal call to pause, reflect, and embrace the serene spirit of a silent, holy night.

Silent Night: The True Story

---

1. Silent night, holy night,
All is calm all is bright,
'Round yon virgin Mother and Child,
Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Sleep in heavenly peace.

2. Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love's pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth;
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

3. Silent night, holy night,
Here at last, healing light,
From the heavenly kingdom sent,
Abundant grace for our intent.
Jesus, salvation for all.
Jesus, salvation for all.

4. Silent night, holy night,
Sleeps the world in peace tonight.
God sends his Son to earth below,
A Child from whom all blessings flow.
Jesus embraces mankind.
Jesus embraces mankind.

5. Silent night, holy night,
Mindful of mankind's plight,
The Lord in Heav'n on high decreed,
From earthly woes we would be freed.
Jesus, God's promise for peace.
Jesus, God's promise for peace.

6. Silent night, holy night,
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heav'nly hosts sing Alleluia;
Christ the Savior is born.
Christ the Savior is born.

---

German lyrics to ‘Silent Night’?

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht
Alles schläft; einsam wacht
Nur das traute hochheilige Paar.
Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar,
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Hirten erst kundgemacht
Durch der Engel Halleluja,
Tönt es laut von fern und nah:
Christ, der Retter ist da!
Christ, der Retter ist da!

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Gottes Sohn, o wie lacht
Lieb’ aus deinem göttlichen Mund,
Da uns schlägt die rettende Stund’.
Christ, in deiner Geburt!
Christ, in deiner Geburt!

---

The original lyrics "Stille Nacht," Franz Xaver Gruber (1787-1863), circa 1818

1. Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!
Alles schläft; einsam wacht
Nur das traute heilige Paar.
Holder Knab im lockigten Haar,
Schlafe in himmlischer Ruh!
Schlafe in himmlischer Ruh!

2. Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!
Gottes Sohn, o wie lacht
Lieb´ aus deinem göttlichen Mund,
Da schlägt uns die rettende Stund.
Jesus in deiner Geburt!
Jesus in deiner Geburt!

3. Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!
Die der Welt Heil gebracht,
Aus des Himmels goldenen Höhn
Uns der Gnaden Fülle läßt sehn:
Jesum in Menschengestalt,
Jesum in Menschengestalt

4. Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!
Wo sich heut alle Macht
Väterlicher Liebe ergoß
Und als Bruder huldvoll umschloß
Jesus die Völker der Welt,
Jesus die Völker der Welt.

5. Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!
Lange schon uns bedacht,
Als der Herr vom Grimme befreit
In der Väter urgrauer Zeit
Aller Welt Schonung verhieß,
Aller Welt Schonung verhieß.

6. Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!
Hirten erst kundgemacht
Durch der Engel Alleluja,
Tönt es laut bei Ferne und Nah:
Jesus der Retter ist da!
Jesus der Retter ist da!