All You Want for ChristmasSample

When Did the Night Fall Silent?

“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” - Luke 2:7

Think

Silence, rest, and peace. A nationwide increase in all three qualities could really help improve the current climate of this cultural moment we find ourselves in. Silence, rest, and peace are not usually words that we associate with childbirth. If I were to ask my wife to describe the birth of any of our children, she would most definitely not include silent, rest-filled, or peaceful. Still, at this time of year, we sing of a fate-filled “silent night” long ago in the town of Bethlehem.

We are left to wonder, when did the night fall silent for Mary, Joseph, and their newborn son? Left in a stable, no room in the inn, where could they find their peace and rest? And as we consider these questions, perhaps we are moved to reflect that silence doesn’t necessarily mean that our surroundings are quiet. Rest might not always be realized in our outward stillness, and peace goes beyond the appearance of congeniality.

Apply

The world we inhabit is loud, rest is hard to come by, and peace seems to be in short order. And yet, in the birth of Jesus, humanity finds the word, the one who speaks for us, so we can be silent. In the birth of Jesus, humanity finds its sacrifice, the one who works on our behalf, so we can find rest. In the birth of Jesus, humanity finds its true mediator, our great reconciler, the one who puts us at peace with God and motivates us toward postures and patterns of peace with one another.

The shepherds quaked, the glories streamed, and the heavenly hosts sang! New birth, great hope on that glorious silent night, the light of life, the giver of rest, our Prince of Peace, Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born!

Pray

Father, you are glorious, and we praise you for the peace we have with you through Jesus. Thank you that we can find our rest in Him. Help us to shine brightly for you by following the example of Jesus and embodying the qualities of silence, rest, and peace in this world that you have planted us in. Amen.

Author - Chris Lenhart serves on staff at Calvary Monument Bible Church in Paradise, PA. Together with their seven children, Chris and Sheila live in the community of Quarryville.