A lot of people will tell you that the holidays can be a sad time. For those without or whose families are far away, it can be a tough season. And too, amazingly, so many people pass into eternity during the holidays. My family experienced that first hand as well. Christmas Eve was the last time I saw my father in 1971. A few days later he met his savior face to face on New Year’s Day of 1972.

 

As I read my email each day over that last few days, I am amazed at the illnesses and passings that have occurred of late. It’s during this season that I say to you, there is an old hymn that speaks wonders to a soul that may be sorrowing at this time. May the below bless you or a friend at this time of need.

 

“Be Still, My Soul”

by Catharina von Schlegel, 1697-?

Translated by Jane Borthwick, 1813-1897

 

1. Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;

Leave to thy God to order and provide;

In every change He faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly, Friend

Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

 

2. Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake

To guide the future as He has the past.

Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake;

All now mysterious shall be bright at last.

Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know

His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

 

3. Be still, my soul, though dearest friends depart

And all is darkened in the vale of tears;

Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,

Who comes to soothe thy sorrows and thy fears.

Be still, my soul; thy Jesus can repay

From His own fulness all He takes away.

 

4. Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on

When we shall be forever with the Lord,

When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,

Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.

Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,

All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

 

Hymn #651

The Lutheran Hymnal

Text: Psalm 46:10

Author: Catharine Amalia Dorothea von Schlegel, 1752, cento

Translated by: Jane Borthwick, 1855

Titled: “Stille, mein Wille”

Composer: Jean Sibelius, b. 1865, arr.

Tune: “Finlandia”

 

In Him,

 

Stephanie