Silent Night Holy Night All is calm All is bright…
In the madness of the season, in the frenetic atmosphere that surrounds us, be still. Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Remember a scene from the past. A baby in a manger, thousands of miles away from where you are now, thousands of days and millions of hours away. Focus on that scene and put aside all the craziness.
Silent Night has always been one of my favorite carols. It has a serenity about it. It takes me away from this world and changes my focus. Each one of us has our own unique life with its distractions, worries, even sadness. No one is immune. This time of year can be especially difficult for some. Try setting aside the pain and the heartache for just a moment. Go back in time and imagine yourself with Joseph and Mary. Be at peace. Be in awe. Feel the blessing of the event, the powerful meaning of it all. For just a moment, allow yourself to be away from this world. Enjoy the silence, the silent night.
I am in a pretty good place right now. That is not to say without worry or stress. They are very much with me and my family at the moment. There are so many people in the world who have problems far greater than mine or yours. We pray for them. How do we experience the joy of the season while in the midst of worry? How do we celebrate when it doesn’t feel like a celebration is warranted? We remember that night and we reflect on how it changed the world. How He changed the world. It is in that memory that we find peace.
There will be many moments, possibly days during this season when you are feeling overwhelmed. Stop, close your eyes, take a deep breath and remember why we celebrate. It’s not because we found the best deals at the mall or online. It’s not because we had enough money this year to buy everyone a gift. As important as it is, it’s not even the look on a child’s face as he opens that special present you purchased. It is the birth of Christ and how it impacts our lives today. How we are blessed and even cherished because of Him. How our lives may be at times sorrowful, painful, hopeless, and yet He is always with us. We are never alone.
Feel His presence when you are in the crowded mall, sitting in holiday traffic or trying to get it all done on time. Take a moment. Go to Bethlehem and remember. God bless. Merry Christmas!