Silent Night

It was a bright Christmas morning. Jackie, aged four, was awake and excited to run downstairs and see what Santa brought her. I moved ahead of her opening the blinds, ready to see her face as she came into the living room. As I opened the blinds, it began to snow! It looked like we were inside of a snow globe! It was actively snowing for about 10 minutes as we took in the magic of the moment. It didn’t snow the rest of the day but made an extra special moment that we remember to this day, even though it was so brief. 

There is something about snow. So often, we hope for the iconic “white Christmas” that eludes us here in Northern Virginia. What I seek from a heavy snow is the quiet. The forced permission to pause and be still. My favorite moment is nighttime after a day of heavy snowfall. I love to open the door and step outside. I smell how the snow makes the air crisp and clean. I feel the cold on my face, the flakes touching my nose. I see the clean white ground, untouched by footprints and tire tracks, gleaming under the streetlights. But my favorite part of the experience is the quiet. No airplanes flying. No cars moving. So quiet that I can hear the snowflakes falling. In this bustling area, it usually takes a truly heavy snow for all of us to pause and achieve this level of quiet and rest. A truly silent night.  

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. 

As we bustle around preparing for Christmas, it is important to stop and take time to find quiet moments. Taking time to read these devotionals, drink a cup of tea, read the Bible, and listen for the quiet. When we take time to silence the noise and movement around us, we can then be ready to see the magic moments around where God is at work. To see who may need our help and find ways we can receive Christ in our lives and share His message with others.    

Reflect on the Word

Be still and know that I am God.  ~ Psalm 46:10

Take a Moment to Pray

Heavenly Father, Our lives are busy and we bustle about to prepare for the holiday. Help me find ways to be still. Help me to quiet my mind and my heart to see and hear where You are at work in the world around me. Show me how to keep the message of Christ’s birth this Christmas as my North Star to guide my actions this season. Help me refocus on new ways that I can help others and share Your message of hope, peace, joy and love. Amen

Listen to the Carol

Kelly Clarkson - Silent Night (feat. Reba McEntire & Trisha Yearwood).  Lyric Video brought to you by Country Paradise.