Christmas Greetings To Everyone

The 1st-9-photos taken by Margareta Kessler

Here are recent photos of the elegant Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina. The Vanderbilt estate was built during the Gilded Age and is still privately owned by the Vanderbilt family. Luckily, it is open for public tours so we can see an earlier age of American history and great wealth. What beautiful, elaborate Christmas decorations! 

A look into the past informs us of how the world changes and yet manages to stay the same, doesn't it? Once again we turn to a low-born, humble child to remind us of what is truly important.

From the perennial carol: O Holy Night ...
"O holy night
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night 
Of the dear Savior's birth''

♬♪♪♫♪♪

''Long lay the world                

In sin and darkness pining

'Til he appeared 
And the soul felt its worth"
♬♪♪♫

''A thrill of hope

The weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks
A new and joyous mourning''
♪♪♫♪♪

''Fall on your knees

Oh hear the angels' voices

Oh night divine

O night when Christ was born

O night divine, Ooo night divine."

♬♪♪♫♪♪

The world is a magnificent, challenging, complicated, changing and static place. Always was, always will be! During Christmas, we recall that hope is eternal, and it matters that we keep striving. Never. Stop. Striving.

Thank you, Margareta, for your lovely photography!

Meanwhile from Manhattan, warm wishes for peace, love and harmony. A Merry Christmas ... and goodwill to all! As members of the human family, be kind to one another.



You may also enjoy:
Have A Merry Christmas
The Twelve Days Of Christmas  
This Is My Wish - Jordin Sparks
Let's Ease Into Christmas With Bette Midler