As you read this, you may still be making frantic preparations for the Big Day. Presents still need to be wrapped, the turkey for Christmas dinner must be thawed, and perhaps a guest bedroom needs to be “made up” for family or friends arriving.

Or, if you are among the “be prepared” crowd, it all may have been finished in advance. This evening you need only enjoy dinner, relax and, for many of you, bundle up to go to Christmas Eve services at church.

If you are among those who, individually or as part of an organized campaign, work to help the needy at Christmas, you may be planning a last-minute delivery of toys for the tots or holiday dinner for a family. Bless you.

Whatever your situation, the evening is a special one for those who celebrate Christmas both thoughtfully and with great joy. Tonight is a time of quiet, contented contemplation — of anticipation that has nothing to do with the gaily wrapped packages under the Christmas tree.

For a time tonight and on Christmas Day, the many trials and travails of our hustle-bustle everyday lives will be put aside.

From “Silent Night”:

Silent night, holy night!

All is calm, all is bright.

Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child.

Holy infant so tender and mild,

Sleep in heavenly peace,

Sleep in heavenly peace.

Merry Christmas!