“Silence is more musical than any song.”

— Christina G. Rossetti

Have you ever noticed how much noisier the world becomes as we prepare for the holidays?  Christmas music plays on every band of the radio.  Beloved old movies are screened in the stores where we do our shopping.  With all the specials scheduled on TV, it seems that ours is cranking out electronic background for everything we do these days.  Carols play from dawn to dusk and far beyond; and while they are familiar and pleasant, even these happy tunes can leave me longing for a bit of silence.  I am no grinch.  I truly love the excitement of preparing for Christmas and all that it brings; but there are times when I like to let my own music set the background for these days.

‘My heart is like a singing bird”

— Christina G. Rossetti

When Christina Rosetti wrote that silence is more musical than any song, I think she was expressing the same feeling as when she compared her own heart to a singing bird.  It is only in silence that we can tune in completely to the music that plays in our own hearts.  At this season of celebration and of giving, it is more important than ever to hear the melody that flows from the depth of our soul.  When we listen closely and begin to dance to the song of love that directs our steps, then we can truly bring all that is within us to the acts of giving we plan for the holiday season.

Listen to the pleasant sounds of the holiday season.  Whistle its familiar tunes and share the joy that fills the community with songs of a shared heritage;  but make some time for silence as well.  It is in the silence that we discover the music that plays deep within us.  Just one times this December, after the day’s noise is put to rest, walk outside and look to the moon and the stars and sing your song to the universe.  You will find that it plays gently all the time.  Don’t forget to let your heart sing.