The Plumb Line: Silent Night

"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)

"Silent Night" has become an anchor for Christmas celebrations throughout the world. Its lullaby-like melody and simple message of heavenly peace can be heard from small town street corners in mid-America to magnificent cathedrals in Europe and from outdoor candlelight concerts in Australia to palm thatched huts in northern Peru. "Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!" can easily be called the world's best-loved Christmas carol. It has been translated into nearly 300 languages and dialects. Its message of heavenly peace sets the theme for Christmas celebrations around the globe.

Silent Night

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.

Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from heaven afar;
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Savior, is born!
Christ, the Savior, is born!

Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy Holy Face.
With the dawn of redeeming grace.
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth!
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth!

Silent night, holy night,
Wondrous star, lend thy light
With the angels let us sing
Alleluia to our King
Christ the Savior is here,
Jesus the Savior is here!

[Alternate Verses]

Silent night, holiest night!
Darkness flies, all is light!
Shepherds hear the angels sing;
"Alleluia! Hail the King!
Jesus, the Savior is here,
Jesus, the Savior is here."

Holy light, perfect light,
Christ of God, Oh, how bright
Doth Thy Spirit shine always!
Healing, blessing man each day
With Thy heavenly love,
With Thy heavenly love.

Silent night, holy night,
Wondrous star, lend your light
With the angels let us sing
Alleluia to our King
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born!

There was really nothing "silent" about this night. There was hustle and bustle in the heavenlies when this miracle Christ-child was born, the baby who, through His birth, life, death, and resurrection, gave us the greatest gift possible. On that memorable night, every bit of busy-ness was directly related to the birth of the Savior.

It was indeed a holy night, but silent? It is doubtful. The skies were ablaze with angelic beings praising and glorifying God for the event they had just witnessed; the manger where He lay was noisome with the animals that more than likely recognized the awesomeness of the visitor to their humble stable.

Take a deep breath, sit down and relax, and spend that much needed time in reflection of who the "Reason" for the season truly is, what He has done for you, Make one more list before you leave your house or office today . . . count your blessings . . . and begin to Praise the Lord for the work He has done in you, for you, through you this past year. Then give a gift to a friend . . . tell them about the precious King of Kings and Lord of Lords that you serve with joy and gladness. Give them a gift that will last forever . . . give them the gift of eternal life by introducing them to the "Reason for the Season"!

Father, my heart cannot be silent any longer! Glory to God! Your Gift of Love wrapped in flesh that memorable night is cause for JOY! Your Gift of Love so freely given, so fully sufficient, so awesomely presented to this world still brings me to my knees in awe and thankfulness! Your Gift of Love so perfectly planned fulfilled every purpose You had in mind, bringing glory to Your Sovereign Reign over all! Lord, the song may use the word "silent", but if I am silent I fear that even the rocks would cry out in my stead . . . may it never be so! I give You glory and honor for that night not so silent when Salvation touched this earth conquering death, hell, and the grave! Silent? Never! I'll shout it from the rooftops . . . Jesus Christ is Lord of All! Alleluia to the King! Amen and Amen!

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matthew 1:23)