Day 11: Silent Night

Day 11 of Advent

Silent Night

Growing up, we often watched a vintage cartoon about the writing of this beautiful Christmas hymn. As you read or listen to this song about peace and light, also be preparing to celebrate Santa Lucia which is two days away. Santa Lucia is the Scandinavian festival of lights and is traditionally celebrated by a member of the family wearing a wreath of leaves and candles on their head, and carrying treats to the rest of the family.

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

-Connor

Watch this Vintage Cartoon about Silent Night

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Scripture Reading for the Day

Isaiah 11:1-5

1 Then a shoot will grow from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit. 2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—a Spirit of wisdom and understanding, a Spirit of counsel and strength, a Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. 3 His delight will be in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, he will not execute justice by what he hears with his ears, 4 but he will judge the poor righteously and execute justice for the oppressed of the land. He will strike the land with a scepter from his mouth, and he will kill the wicked with a command from his lips. 5 Righteousness will be a belt around his hips; faithfulness will be a belt around his waist.

Activity for Today

DIY Santa Lucia Wreath

One of the many reasons Christmas is so special is (aside from the joy of the reason for the season) the decor! Twinkling lights and festive greenery everywhere you go, from the streets and neighborhoods to your own dining room table!

Decorating the place where you and your loved ones gather is such a special sentiment! Create your own Santa Lucia centerpiece. Just gather any branches that you like from outside and form them into a wreath shape on your table. Place some candles among the branches! You can also check out the link for more inspiration or use it as an instructional "How-To!"

Check Out this Beautiful DIY Christmas Wreath!

Charming Chamomile, Jasmine, and Soothing Echinacea Serenade with a Winter’s Lullaby. Perfect for a Silent Night of Sleep!

Let's spill the tea about Healing Honeysuckle...

Eloquent Description

This delicious tonic fuses echinacea with jasmine & chamomile into a floral ray of light. Brightened with the citrus notes of orange rind and lemongrass and emboldened with rooibos, holy basil, and ginger. A perennial favorite that happens to provide a superb boost to the immune system.

Ingredients

Orange Rind
Echinacea
Red Rooibos
Ginger
Blackberry Leaf
Holy Basil
Licorice Root
Jasmine Blossom
Lemongrass
Spearmint
Chamomile

Steeping Suggestions

For hot tea, steep one tea bag in 8 to 10oz of 212 water for 7 minutes. For iced, use half the water(same temp), steep for the same time, and add ice after you pull the tea bag out.

Someone Else's Thoughts

“Super excited I decided to try this! It’s like my best memory of every typical herb tea (chamomile, mint, orange, echinacea) with the edge taken off each of those by harmonious blending into something that tastes familiar and comforting, but evolved a step further in a wonderfully mellow way. Not too flowery or overpowered by any single flavor. Well done!”
– David

"I'm a flavored tea enthusiast and this is my new favorite. It has many different flavors and is very complex. I love it over ice!" Theresa W

All about Silent Night

Fun Fact!
Every December, our family gathers to watch Andrew Peterson's live stream of Behold the Lamb. One of the beautiful songs in the concert, "The Labor of Love", is based on this hymn. You can watch the live stream on December 14th, check if he’s coming to your town, or see if a local church is hosting it! And if you’re at the historic Ryman—join us in the audience and keep an eye out for my tallest nephew!

- Connor
Watch the "Behold the Lamb" Live Stream!
Watch this Vintage Cartoon about Silent Night
Silent Night
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!
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!”

3 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!

4 Silent night! Holy night!
Wondrous star, lend thy light;
with the angels let us sing
"Alleluia" to our King:
“Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born.”
About the Author
Joseph Mohr was born on December 11, 1792, in Salzburg to Anna Schoiberin. His godfather,Joseph Wohlmuth, whom he was named after, was recorded at his baptism. Mohr's education was supported by Johann Nepomuk Hiernle, vicar at Salzburg Cathedral, and he studied music as a choir singer and violinist. He attended the Benedictine monastery in Kremsmünster and later the Lyceum school, eventually entering the seminary. Mohr was ordained as a priest on August 21, 1815.
In 1816, while serving in Mariapfarr, he wrote the words to "Silent Night." Poor health led him to Salzburg in 1817, where he met schoolteacher and organist Franz Gruber. On Christmas Eve 1818, Mohr visited Gruber, bringing his poem and requesting a melody for a midnight Mass. Gruber composed the music in just a few hours, and the carol was first sung with guitar accompaniment.
Mohr's legacy includes the Joseph Mohr School in Wagrain, Austria, and his grave is honored in the local cemetery. The song "Silent Night" is a national treasure in Austria, traditionally not played publicly before Christmas Eve. In 2006, an additional composition by Mohr and Gruber was discovered, further solidifying their collaboration.