WINTER 2024 ISSUE | 5 minute read

Introduction: The Noise of the Season

We've all been there. You're tidying up after Thanksgiving dinner when suddenly someone shouts, "Black Friday is starting—we have to go!" This moment often sets off a whirlwind of activity that adds to the frenzy of the Christmas season. Let's face it; this can be one of the busiest times of the year. From sending Christmas cards to baking cakes and cookies, attending parties, and juggling work commitments, December can feel like trying to accomplish two years of tasks in one month. Amidst the hustle and bustle, it can be challenging to find opportunities for quiet reflection and peace in God's presence. Yet, in the midst of all this busyness, it is crucial—and surprisingly manageable—to carve out moments to be still with God and contemplate the miracle of that "Silent Night."

In the midst of all the Christmas preparations and the endless discussions about whose parents will host Christmas dinner, the true meaning of the holiday can easily get lost. But what if this year we started new traditions and did something different? What if we embraced the Lord of the Silent Night, allowing ourselves to become still and find rest in the peace that comes from being in God's presence?

The Biblical Call to Stillness

Scripture is very clear with its instruction to be still. Psalm 46:10 declares, "Be still, and know that I am God." What a wonderful time of year to let go of the fear that is constantly peddled on the evening news and plastered all over our social media walls. Another way to quote Psalms 46:10 is to say, "We become still in order to know that Lord is God." Christmas, a holiday to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, is a perfect time to practice this biblical principle.

Imagine the world Mary and Joseph lived in at the time of Christ's birth. It was chaotic— Bethlehem was crowded with masses of people, and so many travelers had arrived that there was no room at the inn. Yet, Christ entered the world in the quiet of a humble stable. God chose to come into the world in the stillness of night, far from the crowds and commotion. Picture the hearts of Mary and Joseph as they gazed upon their newborn child, reminded of the angel's promise in Matthew 1:23: "Behold, a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel" (which means "God with us"). That promise alone can calm any anxious heart. In that serene night, God arrived, and He is still with us. They would experience stillness in that stable. It would do us good with our families to meditate on that Silent Night and be reminded that its never so chaotic that our hearts cannot be stilled by the Prince of Peace.

Silent Night: A Symbol of Peace

Silent Night has always been a favorite Christmas Carol of mine. It was written in the early 19th century by a young Austrian assistant priest, Father Joseph Mohr. The words of "Silent Night" capture this contrast between the busyness of life and the peace of Christ's birth: "Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright…"

The song is an invitation to us to reflect on the calm and peace that marked that first Christmas night. What if we could create a "silent night" in our own lives, where we tune out the distractions and focus on what really matters—our relationship with God? How do we put into practice the discipline of Psalms 46:10? How can I practice being still?

Here are a few ideas:

Be intentional about creating moments of quiet before God. Spend time in His presence. This allows us to hear His voice more clearly.
Carve out time each day during the Christmas season for silent prayer or meditation. Stillness helps us to focus on God's presence and align our hearts with His will.
Meditate on His Word. Set aside time to read and reflect on Scriptures related to the birth of Christ. Luke 2, Isaiah 9, and Matthew 1 are great to read through at Christmas time.
Limit Social Commitments. Say "no" to some events if you feel too overwhelmed. Create healthy boundaries that will allow you a more reflective season.
Do a digital detox—limit time on phones, social media, and other digital distractions during the holiday. This can create more room for real connections with God and loved ones.

This Christmas, in the middle of all the church plays, lights, and gifts, let us also make room to be still and worship. Quiet your hearts and welcome the presence of God into the stillness of your heart, just as Mary and Joseph welcomed Him into the quiet of that holy night. For it is in the quiet moments that we truly experience the wonder of Emmanuel—God with us.