Each Christmas season when our kids were younger, we would change their bedtime routine to include singing some traditional Christmas carols like Silent Night and O Holy Night. The songs made for a soothing transition from playtime to bedtime.
Silent night, holy night.
They’re still two of my favorite Christmas songs. Maybe it’s because this season can feel so busy. Maybe it’s because the pandemic has wrought so much suffering and uncertainty. Maybe it’s because I have some friends who are hurting. Those songs have a way of quieting my soul.
All is calm, all is bright.
Where does this Christmas find you? What are the circumstances of your life? If you’re out of work, grappling with a broken relationship, or worried about your health or your finances, it may be difficult to sing those words, or even to hear them. Those sentiments may not ring true.
But consider this: Seven centuries before Jesus was born, the prophet Micah expressed very similar sentiments as he described a Savior who would provide his followers with a sense of security and peace that transcends their circumstances.
“He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace.” – Micah 5:4-5
Perhaps this year, with all that’s going on in our broken, fallen world, we need to approach Christmas—we need to approach Christ—with a renewed sense of wonder. And to rest in the reassurance that security and peace can be found—in fact, true security and peace can only be found—in the One whose birth we celebrate.
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King, Behold your King.
Whatever your circumstances this year, I pray you’ll be able to drink in the miracle of Christmas with a deep sense of gratitude toward God, who so loved the world—who so loved you—that He gave his only Son.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.
From my family to yours, Merry Christmas.
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