Silent Night Holy Night is a well known Christmas hymn sung around the world. However I can’t help thinking that it wasn’t such a silent night in heaven or on earth. The angels were busy, the planets were aligning, the cattle were being displaced, Mary was in labor. An over 700 year old prophecy was about to be fulfilled. The anticipation was palpable as the universe got ready for this grand occasion.
Anna was in the temple praying, The Magi were scanning the skies with their eyes with rudimentary instruments about to see the greatest discovery of their lifetime. No, this was no quiet night. In Herod’s world there was a rebellion going being led by a man named Judas of Galilee on that kept his government on edge. The birth of Jesus was on anything but a quiet, silent night.
The angels had not seen the Son of God in months. In fact who knows if God didn’t keep it a secret from them too. It had been nine months when Jesus disappeared from their daily contact.
When they finally saw again Jesus the Messiah appeared as an infant. The angels couldn’t keep it to themselves. They stepped over into earth’s realm and were seen by the shepherds who were taking care of their sheep. Whether they were speaking or singing really doesn’t matter. However the message was great? Glory to God in the highest. They proclaimed that God has sent Peace, the Prince of Peace a sign of God’s goodwill to you?
Outside of the stable people were still in a daze for having to come back to tiny Bethlehem that they left long ago for better lives and job opportunities. Here they were crowded into ancient houses with every corner occupied by long forgotten relatives and strangers. Silent Night I don’t think so.
Bethlehem and its occupants remind me of what is happening today in 2019. I don’t know why the government is in the condition that it is. Like Mary and Joseph I don’t have control of the situation. There is turmoil all around us just as it was for this little family.
Like Mary and Joseph I am sure of this, God is in control. In the midst of all of the things that have occurred in my small world I am held by the peace only God can give. In this peace I find stability in an unstable world. In this peace I find comfort in times of sorrow when laying to rest good friends. In God’s peace I am looking at the process of aging that I see each day in my own body.
Yes, in 2019 it may not be a Silent Night or silent life and all may not be calm, but I can rest, like Mary and Joseph because I do have that Peace that God gives.
May God bless you as you celebrate God’s
peace sent through His Son Jesus Christ.
