The Silence of Christmas 

“Silent night, holy night.

All is calm, all is bright.

Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child,

Holy infant, so tender and mild.

Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in Heavenly Peace.”

(“Silent Night” – lyrics by Josephus Moore) 

   Sadly, there is little silence during the Christmas season.  It’s all hustle and bustle with no time to consider what we are celebrating.  Everyone is concerned with getting the right gifts for the right people, but few stop to thank God for the greatest Gift of all, our Lord Jesus Christ.

   This Christmas do something different.  Tomorrow evening, the evening when our Savior was born, turn off all the distractions, the televisions, radios, even your cell phone, tablets, and computers.  Find a quiet place and sit down.  Close your eyes and envision that very special night when our Savior became one of us.

   Picture the scene in your mind, become part of it.  Perhaps one of the shepherds who came to see the babe or even one of the angels who announced the birth to those shepherds.  Imagine yourself as one of the three Kings of the Orient who recognized the birth from afar and came to honor the newborn King.

   Imagine the joy and wonder of Mary and Joseph as they held the baby Jesus in their arms.  The Son of God came as a helpless infant, needing their care and protection even to survive.  Consider the love of a God who would allow Himself to become so totally dependent on those whom He had created.

   Silence is a blessing that few people enjoy; it is said that nature abhors a vacuum, but in the vacuum can be found silence and in the silence we can find God.  Take advantage of the gift of silence, sit peacefully, and contemplate the incredible love of our Lord and you will find the true joy of the Christmas season.