Christmas Prelude

At this brightest moment of the sky’s dark, we, friends and fellows, have gathered to celebrate the warmest peace of this year. Oh, look by the far side of the north: those are the rings of aurora, casting an ethereal glow that dances across the polar skies. Lights of this magnificence have never appeared since our mystical encounter at the city chapel – something that was kept a piece of memory three hundred and sixty-five days ago.

Oh, long time we have been through, long enough for a single glimpse over our journey to amaze one in much disbelief: the wake of sunrise has called so many pieces of memories back, shards of the soul. When the wanderer set out his journey as the clouds painted the sky, he went through the vast beauties of this land, only to mourn at his lost childhood at an abandoned station that was long lost to be found. Amidst the while, he meditated upon the moonlit path, hence following the steps of the light in night skies.

Look what he has been for this year! Sometimes there were just countless times to regret – moments of sorrow, of missteps… All we can do is to have less to regret, perhaps to rejoice on those we still have. Recent days were hard times for us. We all suffered; we all had pain. But pains can never be cured; they only wear off until the point that they become gradually forgotten. Let this flourishing vibe of Christmas ease the suffering of the many seen and the more unseen. May all be well.

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees, oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine, oh night when Christ was born

– O Holy Night by Adolphe Adam

Christmas Eve, what a prelude for the glorious day! It must have gathered all the joys from across the year – trees of the spring, fireworks of the summer, twilight of the autumn, and, of course, snows of winter. Bless this land with a cover of Christmas-white, adorn it with Christmas trees wrapped in colorful lamps. May we be blessed.

When sunlight still remains, a grand feast is under way
Prepared with care and dedication, the finest of meats will lay
Decorated trees with bells and lamps, a glowing star on show
Herds of cattle waiting to be cooked, the people's hard work in tow

The streetlamps start to glow as the sun descends, a golden hue
Reminding us of summer's joy and the laughter that ensues
The fireworks burst and people stroll, the sky a shade of violet
Stars appearing as the golden glow intertwines, a feast of colors lit

All have waited for this moment, the peace and joy it brings
From the blackness above, the twinkling diamonds, the fireworks that burst –
It's a festival long anticipated, a moment of pure delight
Bless everyone, let the warmest peace be felt this night

When sunlight still remains, a grand feast is under progressive preparation. Bought from the most populous markets, the finest trees are decorated with bells, lamps, and a giant glowing star. Down by the gardens of people well-fed, herds of cattle are ready to be prepared into a fine meal. What can ever be expected from these hardworking people? Their dedication is undoubted – and all great wonders come out from their own.

Much when the sun started to descend, streetlamps of yellow glowed up. A golden aura passed onto roads and trees, the streetlamps are a reminder of the old summer vibes – laughter is heard among the burst of fireworks, people overjoyed stroll by the village’s pebble walk. Stars are becoming visible at the far side of a violet sky – and here’s where the golden glow intertwines with the fine brew of dark purple. A feast of colors.

All have been waiting for this moment. What have we expected, from the unfathomable black that goes high and above, from the twinkling diamonds of luck and fortune, from the blazing fireworks of red and green. It’s but a long-anticipated vibe of a great festival, a time of warmest peace, a moment of pure joy. Bless everyone.