Christmas Bells Are Ringing!

From the Archives

Let us celebrate! Christmas is the most magical time of year, with twinkling lights and friends and strangers alike wishing everyone Happy Holidays!

Picture this. A large Christmas tree stands, covered in glowing lights. Merrily, Sisters gather to place beautifully crafted silver bells bearing the title of Soundings, the name of the CSJ newspaper at the time, on the coniferous branches. As they are added to the bows, they tinkle lightly, adding levity to the already warm atmosphere.

These lovely bells [pictured below] were created to celebrate the publication, and what better way to do so? “Soundings” had a sound, and it was these silver bells, chiming with the movement of the day.

Today, these bells have accumulated a delicate patina of tarnish, but they still glow with the merry charm of Christmas.

Although Soundings has ceased and the “The MORE… Update” has replaced the newsletter, we hope this younger publication carries the spirit — or bells, if you will — of Soundings into the future.

These artifacts were collected because they represent a unique CSJ experience, and by displaying them, we are able to appreciate and learn from that experience. Whether or not we know the exact history or provenance of each piece, we are able to value the hard work that went into creating each piece and the creativity of the creator.

Silver Bells…

These Christmas tree ornaments belonged to the Soundings team. The Bell with the tree atop, a Noel Music Bell, plays “Adeste Fideles” or “O Come, All Ye Faithful” composed by John Francis Wade [(L-R) Soundings 1980, 1983, 1984]