Oh Holy Night

(Chicago Tribune) For all the children who should be loved always but especially on this wondrous night with our arms around them and a long goodnight kiss on the temple a kiss more precious than anything wrapped in a box. And for all the parents standing quietly in the doorways of the bedrooms watching those small sleeping shapes. For all the babies who arent loved and may grow up with hard crust around their hearts because someone didnt plant those kisses and give those hugs. For every couple who adopt a child to save a life. And for every young woman who has given up her child for adoption to save that life inside of her. For couples who try to have children yet are unable. For those whove lost their children. For the children whove lost their moms and dads. And for those crazy uncles wholl drink too much tonight and dance and tell wacky jokes and then sneak outside to put on that red suit in the cold and pound on a door to surprise the kids. For the wise aunts who makes sure the coffee is strong to help those crazy uncles sober up. For all the men and women in all choirs of the world whove practiced for weeks on weeknights in cold empty churches. Because tonight is their night too the night theyve been waiting for to lift us with song. And for their beautiful voices that invite us to humble ourselves as we ask for help in scraping away any bitterness that has taken root over the year.