Better than the Boston Pops’ “Holiday Pops” is “Christmas Reflections”, by the pianist Judith Lynn Stillman on the independent label North Star.  Stillman’s playing is sprightly and elegant. Accompanied by musicians from the Boston Symphony and the Muir String Quartet, Stillman makes lively instrumental versions of “Away in a Manger”, “The Holly and the Ivy” and other classics. Stillman reaches for the stars and succeeds brilliantly in transporting us through darkness towards life and growth.