Silent Night
The crowds push and argue, searching for a morsel of food and a corner where they can sleep.
Holy Night
A resident curses under his breath as one more family member knocks on his door.
All is calm
Tempers flare as travelers find themselves unwelcome in an overcrowded town.
All is bright
A cloud of despair settles over the City of David as the mighty king’s descendants bow under the control of yet another conquering nation.
Round yon virgin, mother and child
Almighty God robes Himself in flesh.
Holy infant so tender and mild
A common night, a common occurrence, an uncommon birth
Sleep in heavenly peace
“His name will be called. . . the Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
To most in the small village of Bethlehem, the night passed like so many before. Noisy crowds cursed Rome and Caesar for imposing on their lives. They jostled in tiny guestrooms of family members, trying to avoid crazy Cousin Eliab. Bandits took advantage of the crowds and confusion to increase their holdings while lightening the load of a weary traveler. Residents suddenly found their routines disrupted, their markets overflowing, and their streets impassable. It was a time of stress and conflict.
But God. . .
God Almighty chose this time of chaos to step into human existence as He never had before. He put into motion the plan He had laid before He set the first stone of the earth in its place – before sin entered the world creating a need for that plan. He took an inconvenient edict of an arrogant emperor and fulfilled prophesy. He took a night of hatred and anger and, by giving of Himself, He cleansed it to make it a holy night.
What about you?
Where do you have to go this season? Travel to see the in-laws? A private journey through painful memories? Watch for God’s direction so you can shine His light.
What inconveniences must you suffer? Fighting the crowds at the shopping malls? Hosting a holiday gathering? Choose to be a blessing to others sharing in these same stressful times.
What anger, frustration, and bitterness must you face? Not able to find that perfect gift? On the bottom of everyone's shopping list? Hurtful family members you must face at the family gathering? Wash it away with the Peace that passes all understanding.
On the eve of chaos, you can have a Silent Night.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7 NIV)
Image credit Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/get-it-on-picture-5297271/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=6919006">Wilbert Maximus</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=6919006">Pixabay</a>
Comments ()