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Related Pieces
Piece Description
KERA Commentator and retired college Enblish instructor Tom Dodge looks back on moments in history and literature at the role of lights at Christmas.
Broadcast History
"The Hope of Christmas Lights" aired 12/20/2007 during Morning Edition on KERA 90.1 FM.
Transcript
Before the miraculous birth in Bethlehem, there was a spirit of merry Christmas, and it was represented by light. When people of all cultures lit bonfires and candles on the darkest night of the year they were celebrating the hope that, together, they could triumph over the forces of darkness.
The best record we have of early Christmas celebrations is found in Samuel Pepys's London diary of the mid-17th century. Pepys's Christmases are devoted to seeking the light through church, feasting with family and friends, drinking, singing, reading, and giving to the poor. On Christmas Day, 1666, Pepys wrote that ?our parson Mills made a good sermon. Then home, and dined well on some good ribbs of beef roasted and mince pies; only my wife, brother, and Barker, and plenty of good wine of my owne, and my heart full of true joy; and thanks to God Almighty for the goodness of my condition at th...
Read the full transcript
Timing and Cues
Intro: Lights are a common form of joyful holiday decoration, but commentator Tom Dodge says they can carry more meaning at Christmas than you might expect.
Tag: Tom Dodge is a writer and former college instructor living in Midlothian, Texas.
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