Silent Night

I am so saddened to hear about the shooting in Connecticut.  As I read articles, saw pictures, listened to the radio, I felt so sad for this community, for those who died and especially those who survived.  I hugged Leo a little closer.  What a world we live in.

It made me think of a Sunday many years ago. 

I grew up in a small, very safe town.  It was one of those where neighbors knew each other.  I can count on one hand any truly horrible thing that occurred. 

When I was a senior in high school, I was called to be the Sacrament meeting chorister in my ward.  I selected the songs each week and led them in the meeting.  There isn't much that was memorable about that time except for one Sunday.

It was one of the first weeks in December, I believe.  The night before, our little town had been rocked by a shooting.  As I recall, it was a husband and wife and also an employee at a restaurant right next to their house.  This home was in our ward and the following day, family members sat on the side pews. 

Several weeks before, I had planned the music for that meeting.  The planned closing song was "Silent Night."  As we sang that hymn, I knew that Heavenly Father had had a hand in planning the music for that day.  Because of this silent, sacred night there could be comfort and peace for those whose night was not quiet. 

As I think of the families who are suffering this night after the Connecticut shooting, I know there is comfort to be found because of the silent night.  May his peace be with them.