The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1917-02-17

cry, whilst his thoughts were else
where picturing to himself the scene
of Bethlehem. There, where the
lights of Arnsdorf were fickering
forth, lay for him Bethlehem; the
rugged hut at the right with its dim
light represented the stable. where
Mary and Joseph, filled with jov and
gratitude, were keeping watch over
the Infant Jesus. There on the pas
ture-feld the shepherds were keeping
watch over their fiocks, their hearts,
whilst gazing upon the wonderful star,
iubilant with the desire to behold the
newborn King. With an ardent de-
sire, as it were, he looked up to
heaven, as if to see the heavens open
and see the angelic choirs descending
in their heavenly glory to announce
to the poor world the one great Christ
mas JOY and hear them say: Fear
not for behold | bring YOU tidings OF
great Joy, that shall be. to all the peo-
ple for this day is born to you in the
city of David, Saviour who is Christ
the Lord After a long reverie he
finally aroused himself and descended
into the valley, for he had under
taken to conduct a Christmas festival,
and was now ON his way to the school
house at Arnsdorf for a rehearsal.
His friendly organist, Frank Gruber
by name, met him at the door.
"Welcome!' he shouted 1--WE have
been waiting for you to help us to
celebrate
Father Mohr was very much pleased
with the welcome and said:
Il am happy to see you all here, for
now we can sing in honor Of the new
| born King"
Whilst the organiSt was busy con-
corning many things pertaining to the
rehearsal, Father Mohr went to an
other room for few moments, iotted
down on a piece of paper the words
which had come to his mind while sit
ting on the hill that evening, and as
his friend called him into the room
for the celebration, the priest placed
the paper in his hand and said:
"This is my Christmas gift for you,
| lily Ii IetfO III OllISI, III YOU
know | am not rich in this world S
goods"
Gruber took the paper and going to
the Christmas tree, with it's beautiful
| lights, answered:
| But of heavenly goods you have
an abundance. Listen, friends; what
we have received for our Christmas
present"
| Father Mohr said:
| you might try it once, for every
thing seems so easy for my good
choir, and you always find a melody
for the words. Now, l must hasten
to the church. Afterwards we might
sing for short time"
| The choir rehearsal broke up rather
late, for they had sung quite few
Christmas songs. Father Mohr went
to his room, finding it difficult to tear
his thoughts away from the Christmas
melodies. He went to his window
and once more looked out into the
silent holy night and it seemed to
| him as if he heard the sweet melody
entwined around the Christmas song
| he had presented to his choir. Loud
er and louder the strains of music
| flowed towards his window until he
| heard distinctly, "Stille Nacht! Hell
lige Nacht!' floating through the air.
With deep emotion Father Mohr lis
| tened until the last note had died
away, and then he fastened out to
| thank his friends.
you see, Father Gruber said, 1--WE
have found a melody for the words
you so kindly gave us.
The following Christmas feast the
song was sung in the church at Leip
zig at the midnight Mass. 1t soon
found it's way into all parts of the
earth and is today sung by thousands
and thousands of children, whose
hearts are gladdened by the words
and sweet melody.
- GID 49,