This Christmas Eve, I loop this song to listen to for those quiet hours in the dark:

[freshwest]

Coventry Carol - Robert Shaw Chorale

The Coventry Carol is a Christmas carol dating from the 16th Century. The carol was performed in Coventry as part of a mystery play called The Pageant of the Shearmen and Tailors. The play depicts the Christmas story from chapter two in the Gospel of Matthew. The carol refers to the Massacre of the Innocents, in which Herod orders all male infants under the age of two in Bethlehem to be killed. The lyrics of this haunting carol represent a mother's lament for her doomed child. It is the only carol that has survived from this play...
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Listening to this has become an anuual ritual for me in the evenings of the Christmas season. Despite the meaning of the lament, it comforts me and helps me accept things. It keeps me in a quiet mood, reflecting upon what is truly important.

I had three outstanding gifts given to me today. A DUer who moved to WA state called me and wished me happy holidays. We exchanged news and good wishes for each other. Then my apartment manager came up and gave me my packages, a birthday card and some Christmas candy. And the sun came out this morning and it has been shining for the entire day.

Happy Holidays to all!