12/21/23
I’m writing this Christmastime post on the longest night of the year…December 21…the winter solstice…just a few days before Christmas. Thankfully, tomorrow begins the return of longer days and the coming of the Light of the World is in sight…just in time.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.___Isaiah 9:2
A friend and I performed a concert of Christmas last evening at St. Luke United Methodist Church here in Cleveland, Mississippi (my home church), and one of the selections I sang was a wonderful song by singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles called “Love Is Christmas.” Even though we’re still in the ‘waiting’ time of Advent, this seasons seems to bring the hustle and bustle of more events and activities each year. When I came across this song, the lyrics really spoke to me….I hope you find meaning in them, too…
I don’t care if the house is packed
Or the strings of light are broken
I don’t care if the gifts are wrapped
Or there’s nothing here to open
Love is not a toy, and no paper will conceal it
Love is simply joy that I’m home
I don’t care if the carpet’s stained
We’ve got food upon our table
I don’t care if it’s gonna rain
Our little room is warm and stable
Love is who we are, and no season can contain it
Love would never fall for that
We sing
Let love lead us, love is Christmas
Why so scared that you’ll mess it up?
When perfection keeps you haunted
All we need is your best my love
That’s all anyone ever wanted
Love is how we do, let no judgment overrule it
Love I look to you, and I sing
Let love lead us, love is Christmas
Let love lead us, love is Christmas
Songwriter: Sara Bareilles
© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
I’m grateful to report that I’ve entered a new decade this year! I’m also grateful that I continue to have opportunities to write, play and sing music. To me, the awareness of the miracle that is MUSIC grows deeper with time, and I continue to believe that music is the universal language and has great power to comfort, to heal, to inspire, to worship, and more…
Here’s hoping 2024 brings you hope, good health, and happiness even in the nights that seem long and dark. Be on the lookout for a new project from the Big Front Porch…maybe not what you might think, but it will involve some storytelling if it comes together:) 
So to you, good friends, a Merry Christmas, peace and good will to all people…here’s a link to Mary Chapin’s song, “Longest Night of the Year”… Pax, Tricia