Silent Night

Over the past several weeks I have heard different people talk about, as well as have seen people post on their social media outlets, what their favorite aspects of Christmas might be.  People have conversed about loving to sit in front of the fireplace, snuggled up in a blanket, watching Christmas movies, and drinking hot chocolate.  Others have spoken of the joys of decorating their homes with Christmas trimmings and lights.  Several have mentioned the wonderful times they have had shopping for the perfect presents while others have loved all of the social gatherings.  Then I have heard much talk about the anticipation of spending some needed time relaxing with family during these holidays.

Let’s transition that from our favorite Christmas activity to our favorite Christmas carol.  Why?   If you were to take one Christmas carol and say this embodies the totality of Christmas what would it be for you?  As I contemplate the essence of Christmas the song which I hold tenderly and which I feel communicates Christmas best would have to be “Silent Night.”  Below are the lyrics for this great and most popular Christmas carol.  Read through these lyrics and look for the Gospel message proclaimed.

Silent night, holy night! All is calm, All is bright round yon Virgin, Mother and Child
Holy Infant so Tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight! Glories stream from heaven afar;
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia! Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born!

Silent night, Holy night! Son of God, love's pure light radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus Lord at thy birth; Jesus Lord at thy birth.

Silent night, holy night! Wondrous star, lend thy light! With the angels let us sing
Alleluia to our King! Christ the Savior is here, Jesus the Savior is here!

There are several things which leap off the page as I read these lyrics.  First, Christ is holy!  He was God’s child born through a virgin conceived by the Holy Spirit.  He is God in the flesh!  Second would be that because of the birth of the Messiah all creation proclaimed His greatness.  Their song was Christ the Savior of this world is born.  Because of His birth the darkness of this world which necessitated His coming is now being pushed back.  The love of God, the light of God pours out from His face shining forth the grace of redemption which was His sole purpose in coming to earth.  We find in 1 Timothy 1:15 that purpose which states, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…”  He has come to reconcile each of us to a love God.  Then in the closing verse we are invited to sing His praises.  We are beckoned to proclaim the great news that Jesus Christ our King is now here. 

As we draw near to Christmas day let us sing forth the praises of the King of Glory who left heaven to redeem His lost creation.  Let us sing praises to His name of His wondrous light which shines in this dark world.  Regardless of what our enemy the Prince of Darkness might bring our way we must remember the darkness cannot overpower the Light of the World. 

Merry CHRISTmas,

Pastor Ric

 “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11