What does a silent night mean to you? While this may look the absence of wake-up calls from cell phones, crying babies or a to-do list running through your mind at 3 a.m., what do the words of the popular hymn intend to speak to us?
The tune can feel so familiar we may breeze right through the lyrics without taking pause to truly contemplate the evening of Jesus’ birth, which was noticeably absent of spectacular fanfare. From what we know from the birth story in Chapter 2 of Luke, it could have been a truly quiet night prior to the arrival of the shepherds. Perhaps stable animals grazed nearby, or the faint echoes of city life could be detected.
I have found a sincere tenderness within my heart over the years as I have come to learn more of the Christmas story. While kings likely traveled by a horse-drawn chariot, it is plausible Mary journeyed atop a donkey as her mode of transportation to carry the Prince of Peace to Bethlehem.
Jesus’ birthplace was hardly a glamorous locale. We are told in Luke 2:7 (NIV), “She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”
In keeping with the way He lived His life, Jesus came to us in an impoverished fashion, setting the stage for an unpretentious, but unprecedented journey. There were no banners or well-attended and elaborate showers announcing, “It’s a Boy!” The wise men were yet to enter the scene with their gifts.
However, something more important than was occurring, something beyond the ways of the world. While Jesus’ entrance into the world was largely undetected at first, it commenced a long-lasting change in the heart of man.
The transformation must have begun with Joseph and Mary as they looked over their son as proclaimed by the angels, and stared in awe of what others would later call the Messiah. And today, the invitation to invite Jesus into our heart remains, more than 2,000 years later.
Friends, as Christmas approaches this week, would you join me in taking some time to reflect in silence on the quiet birth of our Savior, as well as the arrival of “redeeming grace” as noted in “Silent Night?”
Whether your home is noticeably absent of silence with children home from school, or more silent than usual due to a departure from family gatherings, let us commit to seeking a few moments to truly ponder what Jesus’ modest arrival means for us, our hearts, and our world.
Rooted in Grace and Grit 
As always, well done. You have proven to be a good listener. Keep it up. He’s always speaking to us, even in the silences. Merry Christmas Joel
Joel Richardson
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