One of the most precious gifts to come my way during this last year, came from Salzburg, Austria. It was Christmas Eve, and I was in the train station, waiting to go to Oberndorf, where "Silent Night" was first performed on a single guitar back in the early 1800's. As I waited, I watched with interest, all of the many travelers, who were going this way and that, running to catch trains, juggling luggage and packages. On a table in a nearby quiet corner, was a large, single candle, burning brightly and casting a peaceful, calming glow on the surrounding area. As I watched, a young family approached the table. In one hand, the father carried an empty lantern. When they reached the table, the little family gathered 'round. Without a word, but with eyes full of wonder, the children watched as he lit the lantern from the flame that was burning so brightly there. After a few moments, they walked happily away with their newly illuminated lantern. Shortly after they left the table, an elderly gentleman arrived. He was followed by a young couple, then another family, a single woman..... All came carrying empty lanterns, and all walked away with lanterns burning brightly. Intrigued by the scene, I approached one of the pilgrims, a single woman who pulled her empty lantern out of her canvas carrying bag. After lighting her lantern, she explained to me that the candle had arrived, burning brightly, the day before, from Bethlehem. The people were lighting their lanterns with this light, and taking them home, where they would keep them burning for the next week or so, for peace in their homes, and peace in the world. The woman commented on the fact that the light had come from a place which was lacking in peace right now, yet hope for peace prevailed. She then turned with her lantern, got on her bicycle, and rode away. I watched the continuous flow of lantern bearers, all coming to the light with an emptiness represented by their dark lanterns, but walking away with renewed hope, in their lanterns and in their hearts.

This evening, as I light the lanterns that now grace my mantle, I will think of all of you. Wishing you peace in your homes, in your hearts, in our world.   KT