The Silence Of The Night

There were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.

Luke 2:8

The Christmas season is a noisy season. There are carolers singing in the streets and children squealing as they hurry to unwrap their presents. There’s the wonderful Christmas music broadcast over the airwaves and played in our homes. But there is also the sound of traffic around the mall, impatient shoppers in the stores, and commercials on television imploring us to help the economy by spending more.

On that first Christmas night in the fields outside Bethlehem, the silence was almost deafening. The occasional soft bleating of a sheep . . . the muted murmuring of the shepherds . . . perhaps a distant voice in the village. The first Christmas night was a silent night, allowing the shepherds to give full attention to the message of the angel—the announcement of the birth of the Savior.

Be sure to set aside some quiet time this Christmas to reflect on the Savior who was born Christ the Lord—and thank Him for bringing heavenly peace to your life.

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.

JOSEPH MOHR