A light on Christmas Eve eve

 On Christmas Eve Eve, in Minnesota, walking a dog in a rain / snow mix that's mostly rain, just isn't natural. Nor is the forecast for Christmas day, with up to an inch of rain anticipated in some nearby areas, bringing with it the possibility of flooding since the ground is frozen. The jokes about Santa being OK because he has "rain deer" have already worn thin. And, somehow, I had missed one of the highlights of this Christmas season, until the Daughter Person shared it with me.

somehow, children light candles on the darkest nights

Photo by J. Harrington

Kaylee Rodgers, a charming ten year old (who also has autism), gives us a stunning performance of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah, with alternative lyrics written by Cloverton for Christmas [see below].

Could it be that the basic reason we're all here is to create an environment and conditions where children like Kaylee and her fellow choir members can thrive and bring moments of overwhelming beauty and joy to the rest of us? Watching and hearing the song's performance triggered a needed attitude adjustment on my part during an otherwise Grinchy day this Christmas weekend Friday of 2016.

Thanks, Kaylee and Daughter Person. I needed your candlelight today.

"A Hallelujah Christmas"
(originally by Leonard Cohen)

I've heard about this baby boy
Who's come to earth to bring us joy
And I just want to sing this song to you
It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
With every breath I'm singing Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

A couple came to Bethlehem
Expecting child, they searched the inn
To find a place for You were coming soon
There was no room for them to stay
So in a manger filled with hay
God's only Son was born, oh Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

The shepherds left their flocks by night
To see this baby wrapped in light
A host of angels led them all to You
It was just as the angels said
You'll find Him in a manger bed
Immanuel and Savior, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

A star shown bright up in the east
To Bethlehem, the wisemen three
Came many miles and journeyed long for You
And to the place at which You were
Their frankincense and gold and myrrh
They gave to You and cried out Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

I know You came to rescue me
This baby boy would grow to be
A man and one day die for me and you
My sins would drive the nails in You
That rugged cross was my cross, too
Still every breath You drew was Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

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