We are approaching the end of the Christmas Season, and I have only a couple days to play and sing every carol in the hymnal. A few like “Silent Night” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” have been used twice in the parish assembly. And the best interludes, postludes, and preludes have been played. But there are still a few more left untouched. Well, maybe next year—if no one minds listening to Christmas themes in July when there’s more time to perfect my playing. When I plan the agenda for each liturgy, I leave room for options. I assumed someone would request “O Holy Night,” but no one did to my disappointment. My favorite that never makes the Top Ten is “Wood of the Cradle” by Francis P. O’Brien. I find meaning in the parallel between the wood of the cradle and the wood of the cross. Amid the soft lines about “shepherds sleeping deep in their dreams” are phrases like “blood outpoured” and “rise from the grave.” After all, why did Jesus come except to bring salvation—at a great cost. No matter the feast I feel it’s important that we never lose sight of the Paschal Mystery—the whole life of Christ including his passion, death, and resurrection. And when you sing beyond the first couple verses, many carols proclaim redemption: “Christ was born to save.” What is your favorite carol? Does it tell of the whole life of Christ?