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The fourth verse, not often sung

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

And ye, beneath life’s crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow,
Look now! for glad and golden hours
Come swiftly on the wing.
O rest beside the weary road,
And hear the angels sing!

My Grandma Alice died on December 23rd.

It’s now Christmas morning. The gift-exchange is over. Breakfast is over. There is talk of taking a walk. The weatherman predicted record-high temperatures, in the sixties.

It’s quiet, a silent morning sequel to the silent night, the holy night.

It’s quiet. The angels seemed to be mouthing their tidings, far above. Their lips move, their eyes look up. Thankfully, I know what they say.

It’s quiet. Wings flutter noiselessly, little Lord Jesus no crying He makes.

It’s quiet.

17 comments to The fourth verse, not often sung

  • I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope these days after are ones of good reflection for you in the midst of your great grief.

  • Tracy (tjly)

    Oh Gretchen! I am so sorry for your loss. Grandma Alice sounded like such an amazing woman.

  • Robin

    ((((Hugs)))) Gretchen! Sending my thoughts and prayers and Heaven is even more special now because your Grandma Alice is there, may you find the peace and comfort you need during your time of grief.

  • I’m so sorry Gretchen, it sounds like your Grandma was a lovely lady. Thank you for sharing about her here, I’ve been thinking of your family a lot these last few days.

  • I’m so sorry, Gretchen. Praying for peace for you–

  • So sorry for your loss. P&PT for your family

  • So sorry about your dear Grandma, I will be thinking of you!

  • Shayne

    Gretchen, I’m so, so sorry to hear of your Grandma Alice’s passing. She sounded like a remarkably special woman. Sending prayers of peace and comfort for you and your family.

  • Sending my prayers & a cyber hug.

  • Kelly

    Gretchen, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers…

  • Julana

    Mopsy,
    I’m sorry for your loss. I’m glad you have hope of seeing your grandmother again. Interestly enough, Nancy at Just Thinking posted on this same verse about two weeks ago. There is a church she knows of that has a “blue Christmas” service for people who experience loss or other hardship during the holidays. I’m glad your grandmother was a Christian. God be with you.

  • I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and prayers for your family.

  • mopsy

    Thanks for your kind words, everyone.

    Julana…isn’t it funny how things appear on the radar screen? My mom, daughter, and I attended the Christmas Eve service at church, and “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” was one of the songs. It has never been one of my favorites. As we sang, though, the fourth verse struck me right in the heart and I began to cry. The song ran through my head for the rest of the night and through Christmas morning.

    Throughout everything, the themes of rest and quiet have come up again and again.

  • Gretchen, I’m so sorry for your loss.

  • I’m so sorry for your loss, Gretchen. Losing a family member so close to the holidays is doubly hard. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

  • My thoughts go out to you and your family. I’m so sorry for your loss of your grandmother…it’s hard at any point of the year, but right in the midst of Christmas, has got to be even harder. May the Lord comfort you in your time of loss.

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