That Silent Night: Perhaps It Was Not So Silent (song of joy) #shortburstsofencouragement
Perhaps it is the opening stanzas of “Silent Night”: Silent night, Holy night, All is calm, all is bright; maybe it is merely tradition. Whatever it is, we usually think of the Savior’s birth as one of peace and calm and relative quiet.
Peace as in the peace that comes from trusting God, certainly; calm in the face of faith, perhaps; but my guess is the birth of Jesus was anything but silent, at least for some.
Noise Everywhere
This Newborn: fully God but also fully man, squalling at the shock of entering this dark and cold world.
His parents: weeping for joy and gratitude for His safe birth.
The shepherds: clamoring upon the angels’ shocking announcement.
The magi: exclaiming in wonderment and joy at the long-awaited fulfillment of the virgin birth prophecy.
The angels: praising as the the great I AM took on the form of a man and replaced His throne for a cradle.
This Baby: the long-awaited salvation for the world.
This Infant: the King become Servant.
Although it is wonderful to worship the Lord’s birth in silent contemplation and softly sung hymns to candlelight, Jesus’s birth was more likely met with deafening rejoicing in the heavens and shouts of joy and praise on earth.
A song of joy ringing across the realms.
So this Christmas, as you celebrate the greatest Gift man has ever received, feel free to sing boisterously, rejoice profusely, and proclaim loudly.
A Good News Celebration
Because for those who have been waiting, Jesus’ birth is a “good news celebration”!
Maybe it wasn't such a silent night: For those who have been waiting, Jesus' birth is a 'good news celebration'! Click To Tweet
One of my favorite Christian singers, David Phelps, attempted to celebrate the sounds of that first Christmas night in his fun song Hark the Herald. Listen and rejoice along with him.
Let a song of joy once again echo off the mountains and fill the valleys.
“The sun went down like any other day
But unaware, the world just slept away
It was a silent night for many; some heard but didn’t care
But to those who had been waiting the noise was everywhere
Hark the herald angels sing
Glory, glory to the newborn King
Hark the herald angels sing
Glory, glory to the newborn King
Glory, glory to the newborn King
The melody was carried by the wind
No need to fear, peace and goodwill to men
It echoed off the mountains and it filled the valleys low
A good news celebration so everyone would know
Hark the herald angels sing
Glory, glory to the newborn King
Hark the herald angels sing
Glory, glory to the newborn King
Glory, glory to the newborn King
Angels sing (glory, glory)
To the king (glory, glory)
Spread the joy across the land
Christ is born in Bethlehem
Angels sing (glory, glory)
To the King (glory, glory)
Come and worship and adore
He will reign forevermore
Hark the herald angels sing
Glory, glory to the newborn King
Hark the herald angels sing
Glory, glory to the newborn King
Glory, glory to the newborn King“Hark the Herald” – David Phelps
The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I am bringing you good news that will be a great joy to all the people” (Luke 2:10).
Reflection: Do you prefer to celebrate Christmas in quieter peaceful contemplation or louder joyous celebration or a combination of the two, like me?
Joining Holley Gerth’s Coffee for your Heart linkup. Click on the image to read all the encouraging posts.
By His grace ≈ Julie
Find hope in your real-life struggles. We'll chase it together! I am a wife; mom of 4 (including a young adult daughter with special needs); miscarriage mom of 5; author & follower of Jesus Christ. I write, edit, speak and enjoy everything outdoors.
I prefer to spend Christmas in quiet times spent with God and reading his word. Recently I started Bible journaling and I would like nothing better to stay home and do an illustration on one of my favorite scriptures. We go to my husbands families every year. Christmas Eve, huge home, lots of money, dresses that cost me my social security check for a month. Then Christmas Day spent at another wealthy cousins with drinking and loud talking and his cousins husband is Morman and has some different ideas. I miss my children and 7 grandchildren in Montana and would give anything to spend it with them. The most important thing is the birth of Christ to me and family, my kids that barely scrape by but have a great time and all the children. I’m going to concentrate on Jesus and talk about Him because it’s His birthday.
Concentrating on Jesus is just the thing we need to do whether we are celebrating with many or are just by ourselves, Linda. I love the idea of illustrating Scripture. You’ll have to share an example with me sometime. I hope you found the peace of Christ in your various Christmas celebrations.
It’s just the two of us here. It is quiet– the way it is on each holiday. We do some special things and surprise each other with the gifts we purchase. Next year, I hope, our son will be with us, or us with him. I enjoyed the song you shared with us. I am finishing up the year reading “Jesus Calling” as my devotional book. These past two days the meditations have reflected on the birth of Christ. On Tuesday, for my devotions, I wrote a poem. I hope to be able to polish it and share it maybe next year.
I’d love to read your poem sometime, Cecelia. It must be difficult to be away from your son on Christmas, but Jesus can reach across the miles. With Him as our center, we are still connected.
Julie: I hope to use my poem for the LORD because He gave it to me. I may put it on my blog for Easter. About our son, we talk on the phone on a regular basis. And he e-mails me. I considered Skype but haven’t really thought about it.
I like how we start loud and end quiet! Last night was a great calm night as we had had enough family time. 🙂
I guess that is how it usually plays out, Sarah. Perhaps even for the holy family that divine night so long ago it began loud and ended quiet. Maybe that’s the silent night piece. I wouldn’t give up my time with family for anything–so blessed that way– but it is nice to get back into calm and routine. Enjoy the peace.