O Holy Night. The Gift of Hope.

When I was in my twenties, I stumbled upon an audio treasure trove: a collection of recordings featuring some of the most stirring and influential speeches delivered by twentieth-century leaders. I spent countless hours absorbing their words—Winston Churchill’s steely resolve, John F. Kennedy’s optimism, Dwight D. Eisenhower’s steady guidance, Harry Truman’s firm conviction, Neville Chamberlain’s caution, Amelia Earhart’s pioneering spirit, Lou Gehrig’s humility, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision, and many more. If you’re ever in need a jolt of inspiration, or a humbling reminder of your own ordinary routines, these speeches are worth reviewing. Their wisdom and gravity left me in awe, filling me with a sense of purpose and possibility.

While listening (and relistening), I noticed a profound thread weaving through their messages; a theme that resonates deeply with me, especially during the holiday season. The Christmas story and these leaders’ words share common core values: hope, faith, charity, kindness, and the belief that we can continually improve ourselves and our world. And maybe, that it’s our responsibility. I’m moved by the idea that one person–man, woman, or even a little baby–can make a difference for another individual or even change the course of history.

The twentieth century was simultaneously a period of remarkable destruction and extraordinary creativity. Humanity endured world wars, economic disasters, and technological leaps such as the Wright brothers’ modest flight to the lunar landing just sixty-six years later. Through it all, these leaders championed hope for a brighter future, even while drawing inspiration from the challenges of their present. History’s most daunting moments often unite us, compelling us to reflect on our place in the world and on something greater than ourselves. There’s truth to the saying that nobody prays more fervently than someone in a foxhole. It seems that when we are at the brink of devastation, or at the peak of discovery, our thoughts and actions often bring us parallel with that which the birth of a baby in a manger some two thousand years ago means to billions of followers: Hope.

With this inspiration, I decided to blend excerpts from these iconic speeches into a unique arrangement of the Christmas hymn “O Holy Night.” At the time, I was a working musician, spending my days (and too many nights), in a studio writing musicals and scoring documentaries. Crafting and recording this piece took a week or two, and it remains one of my favorite gifts to share each holiday season.

So, Merry Christmas. Truly. I wish you both the gift of being happy and the gift of love that comes from the magic of Christmastime. Hope. The world, collectively and individually, needs hope. Legendary leaders from the 1900s had a lot to say about hope for a better tomorrow while feeling inspired from today. I stand with them and bid my deepest, most sincere offering of hope for better days ahead while being grateful at the miracle that is every single day. There is such goodness all around and, just as I am with the Christ child, I’m inspired and humbled by you. Thank you for the gift of you. I stand all amazed. And, btw, hopeful.

Merry Christmas, dear friends. Oh, what a holy night.