Sleigh bells ring
are you listening
in the lane
snow is glistening
A beautiful sight
we’re happy tonight
walking in a winter wonderland
Gone away is the bluebird
here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song
as we go along
walking in a winter wonderland.
This perennial seasonal favorite carol Winter Wonderland creates an easy image for those of us blessed to live in a winter wonderland. While it certainly makes sense to connect the sleigh bells to the question that follows: “are you listening,” what has always come to mind for me is the wonderful quiet when it is snowing.
In my mind there is absolutely nothing like snowing silence. Especially if you are fortunate to be in place or during a time that does not have a lot of other noise. Gone is the bluebird, the dog barking, the truck going by or the howling wind. Snowing silence is a stillness that really is a love song. It’s a silent love song from our Creator God who is showering us with beauty for our eyes and our ears.
Nick Foster wrote the following in the online daily meditation D365 for the first week of Advent:
Listen.
Listen with your heart.
Your ears may deceive you,
But your heart is the kinder guide.
There is a softness in the air;
The word travels lightly in the wind.
Still then your feet for only a moment,
And feel the message all around.
In this Advent season, in our winter wonderland, may you create space for snowing silence — to truly listen with your heart.