Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6
By far the most widely known and treasured of all the Christmas carols is Silent Night. The beauty of it’s lyrics and melody, whether sung by a choir of 100’s with pipe organs in Westminster Abbey, or sung by a single child a cappella in a classroom the words resonate with all who hear. It is likely one of the first carols you learned as a child. We can all picture in our mind the bustling streets of Bethlehem, the massive crowds come from all around to celebrate and reunite with family and friends from the line of King David. Others, I am sure celebrated in a slightly less exuberant manner and beat their chests and cried out to the Lord to come and release them from their bondage under the Roman government. Stories are told of their younger years, the good old days under David and Solomon. Some will pontificate on the future and quote the prophets of old and lay out their thoughts on why God has left them. Still others, I imagine, could care less about any of that and are living in the moment. Partying in the streets and carousing as if it were there were no tomorrow. Amidst all of this chaos, commotion and busyness God Almighty reached down and brought forth His one and only Son. The screams of the woman in labor were heard by some, but likely blended into the surrounding noises of the celebratory atmosphere. The world didn’t stop and take notice. Shepherds came from the fields, wise men came from the East, but we have no written evidence that the thousands of people in Bethlehem that night stopped in awe and amazement. The Bethlehem star shone above them, bright enough to be seen by the shepherds and wise men who traveled over miles to worship the King. Yet, this same star was missed by the very people in the city upon which it shined that night?
Often times when we sing Silent Night we think that the world must have stopped for just one night and celebrated the birth of our Savior in reverence and adoration. Unfortunately, I don’t believe that is what happened. I believe the world looked right passed the event, for it came in such a way that it was easily missed by the masses. There was no gathering outside the gates of a royal palace waiting for a sign from within stating the babe had been born. There were no news media positioned with live cameras and breaking news alerts broadcasting to millions around the world. No, our Savior came into the world in the lowest of all places – a stable, likely a cave carved out of the side of a hill; in a manger, a food trough that had been used by the animals penned there that day; amidst the smells and physical unpleasantries that go along with having barnyard animals. The hay in the stable provided the only comfort for Mary during the birthing process. No drugs, no epidural, no massages, no comfort whatsoever. Perhaps a midwife came from the Inn to help with warm water, towels and coaching, we don’t know, but by the end of that physically exhausting night, the teen-aged Mary and Joseph were parents of the Savior of the world.
I propose that the term, Silent Night, does not refer to the Christ child, Mary and Joseph; but rather to you and me. The world has become no less chaotic, complicated and busy since that blessed night of Jesus birth. We are moving at 100 miles per hour trying to fit everything into our lives and not miss out on any of it. Between work, children, finances, education and our social life we are bombarded with time consuming events that distract us from living our lives for God. If you are like most, you suffer from sleepless nights, worrying and fretting over life’s problems. We try daily to take on the challenges we each face and at the end of the day, we are left with a list of what didn’t get done, which in turn begins our list for tomorrow. It seems like a never ending cycle that leaves us exhausted and needing relief, needing help from someone, somewhere. What we need to do is to step back from the lists, the stress and the chaos; quiet ourselves and rest in His peace. Realize that the God of the Universe desires to dwell with you. He can bring you a peace that is beyond this world’s ability to understand. The lyrics of this song state, Sleep in heavenly peace; not referencing the baby at all, but specifically mankind. For centuries up to that point, they had not heard from God. The birth of Jesus meant it’s going to be okay, I am with you always, you can rest in Me.
When we acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and accept Him into our heart we are allowing Him to take control. This means we trust in His direction for our life and that He will provide for our needs. This peace that is provided by our Lord cannot be found in any other manner. Money will not bring peace, love will not bring peace, material possessions will not bring peace, the perfect job will not bring peace nor will your friends, families or church. Peace is found by abiding in His will for your life and trusting that He is a sovereign God and in control of it all. Things happen according to His will and not ours. Accept this and come to realize how everything can be calm in Him.
Prayer:Heavenly Father,
Amidst all of the chaos in our lives we often miss You, Lord. We often times look past Your grace, Your comfort and Your peace in our daily walk. Help us to trust in You Lord. Help us to know Your plans for us and to acknowledge Your sovereignty in our lives. Through this Christmas season and all throughout the year, help us to find peace in You. In Your name we pray - Amen
Amidst all of the chaos in our lives we often miss You, Lord. We often times look past Your grace, Your comfort and Your peace in our daily walk. Help us to trust in You Lord. Help us to know Your plans for us and to acknowledge Your sovereignty in our lives. Through this Christmas season and all throughout the year, help us to find peace in You. In Your name we pray - Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment