(Could It Be A) Silent Night

Christmas cheer tends to be a cacophony.

Joy is often boisterous; excitement and anticipation tend to cause exuberance. It’s during this season that we often blast the carols and sing along. We like to sit down and recite our favorite lines, laugh without reservation during classic Christmas movies. Parties are consumed by chatter.

And the noise isn’t wrong- it’s one expression of celebration.

Contentment speaks loudly just by shining brightly. 

The carol Silent Night expresses well this awed and impactful emotion:

In every stanza of this hymn, light is referenced.

It’s no wonder so many Christmas services and events feature a candlelight sing-a-long of these precious words:

All is bright.

Glory streams from heaven afar.

Son of God, love’s pure light,

radiant beams from thy holy face,

with the dawn of redeeming grace.

Wondrous star,

lend thy light.

Light is another picture of the powerful, but quiet joy of contentment.

We find this in Scripture too:

Rather than getting riled up or making noise, rather than getting caught up in their hardships or personal trials and desires, these Christians were encouraged to exhibit a humility leading unto joy. This quiet delight was a sound testimony.

A believer’s contentment radiates the way stars do.

Silently, they shine. Quietly, they beam. In stillness and in meekness the stars bear witness to the glory of God. So should we.

Before Paul calls us to shine as stars in the sky, he shares an insightful account of Christ’s own example of glorifying God, beginning at Christmas:

“Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God
something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.”

–Philippians 2:5-11

Our example of the contented power and wonder of acting as lights in this world is found in the Light of the World. That’s who we celebrate now, remembering the night His star rose over Bethlehem.

This week leading up to Christmas, let’s follow His example. To the glory of the Father, to the honor of our Savior, let’s humble ourselves in joy and praise. Let’s savor the silent moments, the silent, holy night.

As we smile at the twinkle of strands of tiny bulbs, as we shiver beneath the stars on winter nights, as we ignite the pine-scented candles, as silver bells glisten, and as loved ones faces glow with delight…

We can grow still and quiet, shining with humble joy the contentment we gain in Christ- the hope and peace He beamed- for us to reflect.

May our celebrations of Christmas bear witness to the Light of the World as His grace dawns afresh.

This celebration season, I’ve been seeking contentment in Christ. This post marks the end of the 5 part series.

Part 1: It’s The (Maybe) Wonderful Time of the Year

Part 2: O Little Town of Mayhem

Part 3: O Come Next Year Immanuel

Part 4: O Come All Ye Frustrated

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