This week’s post has been in the back of my mind for days as I’ve tried to decide what direction to take. Without going into details, these past couple of weeks have been difficult for our family, and it looks like the road ahead will remain heavy for a while. I will be away for most of the next month attending to family matters, so this will be my last Musings for a time.

As I’ve been working late the last couple of days, trying to get things in order before I’m gone, I was reminded of a hymn that offers comfort in moments like these, especially when sleep eludes me. I want to share it with you today, because I know many of you are walking through your own valleys. Earlier this week, I heard that Trinity’s prayer chain received something like eight new requests in a single day. Clearly, hearts are hurting all around us.

LSB 880 Now Rest beneath Night’s Shadow

1 Now rest beneath night’s shadow
The woodland, field, and meadow;
The world in slumber lies.
But you, my heart, awaking
And prayer and music making,
Let praise to your Creator rise.

2 The radiant sun has vanished,
Its golden rays are banished
From dark’ning skies of night;
But Christ, the Sun of gladness,
Dispelling all our sadness,
Shines down on us in warmest light.

3 Now all the heav’nly splendor
Breaks forth in starlight tender
From myriad worlds unknown;
And we, this marvel seeing,
Forget our selfish being
For joy of beauty not our own.

4 Lord Jesus, since You love me,
Now spread Your wings above me
And shield me from alarm.
Though Satan would devour me,
Let angel guards sing o’er me:
This child of God shall meet no harm.

5 My loved ones, rest securely,
For God this night will surely
From peril guard your heads.
Sweet slumbers may He send you
And bid His hosts attend you
And through the night watch o’er your beds.

If you need some rest and respite during this upcoming holiday season, I invite you to visit our Christmas Tree Display. Each year, this display invites visitors to step into a forest of trees. More than just decorations, these trees represent stories—of congregations, families, traditions, and faith spanning generations. Amid the sparkle and color, there is a quiet message woven through it all: the same God who has watched over His people through the centuries still keeps watch today.

This year’s theme, Follow the Star, reminds us that God leads His people even in the darkest night. Just as the Magi were guided by a light that cut through the silence of Bethlehem’s sky, we too are invited to look upward and trust the One who guides our steps.

In the hectic pace of the season, the exhibit offers a rare invitation to slow down and breathe. In the glow of the trees, we catch a glimpse of the comfort Christ brings—rest for weary hearts and light for shadowed places.

One of the most beautiful moments each day comes after closing, when the museum becomes quiet and the Christmas trees continue their gentle glow. Without the movement of visitors or the sounds of conversation, the trees seem to sing their own hymn of peace. It is easy to imagine generations before us doing the same—gathering around candlelight, praying, singing, and trusting in God’s care until morning.

As you visit the Christmas Tree Display this season, may it be more than a feast for the eyes. May it be a quiet space of refuge—a moment to “rest beneath night’s shadow” and remember that Christ, our Light, remains with us. We invite you to come, pause, reflect, and let your heart be renewed by the joy and peace of the season. As the lights twinkle and the trees shine, may you be reminded that the Savior whose birth we celebrate still guards, guides, and gives rest to His people.

Until next time … Denise Hellwege, Director