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Silent Night

This week we celebrate Christmas. Homes are decorated with sparkling lights, Christmas trees adorned with ornaments, various images of Santa Claus can be found scattered around, and my favorite, the nativity is displayed. If you weren't familiar with our traditions, you could certainly tell something special is being prepared for.  Something special will be celebrated. 

As we know our King is being born.  On Christmas night we remember the night an infant entered the world to change it forever. God has come to live among His people and make things right in His kingdom.  

To us today, it only makes sense to do the things we do at Christmas time. This is one of the most significant nights in human history. Knowing what we know, it seems only right to spend a month preparing and decorating. What better way to honor the gift God gave to us than by giving our friends and family gifts as symbols of our admiration for them. It's only right that this season of giving should consume our hearts, minds, and bank accounts.

What a stark difference to the actual events of the evening and leading up to that special night.  At this point in history, God has been silent to his people for 400 years. To put that in perspective, 400 years is about 20 generations who never heard or saw a prophet.  Rather than the pomp and circumstance we have grown accustomed to experiencing before Christmas, the preparation for the birth of our Lord came by way of silence. No lights, no trees, and no decorations led up to this most important night. 

For Jesus' parents, preparation came by way of a journey. A census had been called and it required families to return to their "hometown". "So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child" (Luke 2:4‭-‬5 NIV). Nazareth to Bethlehem meant Joseph must walk 4-5 days to make the journey.  His pregnant bride rode a donkey as he led the way. It would have been a dirty and difficult journey. Only to arrive and find no place to rest.  The only available space is a barn, not meant for people, let alone a king. 

God certainly could have done this in a different way.  He could have engaged a forest of trees and a display of light that would make a Florida lightning storm jealous. Instead God chose silence, an arduous journey, and a humble location for His son and our King to be born. 

As you share in the Christmas festivities, consider setting aside time to be still.  Be quiet and simply be with God. Retreat to the silence, perseverance, and simplicity prevalent in that first Christmas.  

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Matt








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