Rejoicing in the Midst of Sorrow

I posted all the previous music videos well in advance of their publication, and now they are coming to an end because today is as far as I got.  Not because Christmas is coming to an end, but because a great sorrow has struck our family, and we will be burying a beloved father and father-in-law this weekend.

His death was unexpected because, though he had recovered from pneumonia just before Christmas, he was feeling well and strong Sunday night.  He passed peacefully in his sleep, just as we would all wish to go.  The whole family is devastated and heartbroken, and struggling through that numbness that allows them to do all the necessary planning and preparation.

I probably won't have time to post anymore Christmas music after today, but I will still be rejoicing in the Savior's birth.  Last night, I was missing the joyful light of the candles in the Advent wreath, so I...finally...replaced them with new white ones, and we ate our pizza with the glowing reminder that, despite our heavy hearts, Christ had come to save us.

Today's Christmas carol is In Dulci Jubilo and I've put the English translation below.  The last verse is especially worth reading.

God's peace to you all!  May your year be blessed!

Good Christian men rejoice
With heart and soul and voice!
Give ye heed to what we say
News! News!
Jesus Christ is born today!
Ox and ass before Him bow
And He is in the manger now
Christ is born today!
Christ is born today!

Good Christian men, rejoice
With heart and soul and voice
Now ye hear of endless bliss
Joy! Joy!
Jesus Christ was born for this
He hath ope'd the heav'nly door
And man is blessed evermore
Christ was born for this
Christ was born for this

Good Christian men, rejoice
With heart and soul and voice
Now ye need not fear the grave:
Peace! Peace!
Jesus Christ was born to save
Calls you one and calls you all
To gain His everlasting hall
Christ was born to save
Christ was born to save