In the Quiet: a Christmas Reflection

In the Quiet: a Christmas Reflection         

In all the flurry of Christmas preparations, programs, parties, gifts, and unexpected events, my most favorite part is in the quiet.

               Growing up, our house was located a block from our church so, weather permitting, our family would walk the short distance to attend the services. After the 11 o’clock candlelight Christmas Eve service, we would usually walk home together. However, on occasion I would walk home by myself. It was in those quiet, unrushed walks when I truly felt the impact of Christmas. Night’s cold air accompanied me as I would stare into the star-filled sky and imagine a host of angels announcing the birth of the Christ child to those startled shepherds. At times, I thought I could hear the angel chorus.  But it was the stillness of the wind, the quiet of the sleepy, little town, and the pure silence of the night that made my heart pound with the wonder of Christmas.

               Then, later as a mother of four, Christmas Eve day became a continual list of to-dos.  By the time night came, and the kids and my husband were pretending sleep in their beds, I would finally have the chance to be selfish. I would turn off all the lights except the Christmas tree, snitch a cookie left for Santa, collapse in my favorite chair, and absorb the quiet.  In the silence, I would again reflect upon the significance of the season, appreciate the brief existing peace, and look forward to Christmas morn.

               Now, as the years have passed and our children have grown with homes of their own, Christmas Eves are celebrated in a variety of ways.  However, no matter the form, the quiet will find me.  Perhaps it will appear in the beauty of the glittering Christmas tree or maybe in the night as I venture outside for one last glance into the solemn, starlit sky.  And perhaps once again my imagination will take me to that first Christmas Eve when Jesus came to save us for Him.  

“That night in the fields near Bethlehem some shepherds were guarding their sheep. All at once an angel came down to them from the Lord, and the brightness of the Lord’s glory flashed around them.  The shepherds were frightened. But the angel said, ‘Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. This very day in King David’s hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord.’”    Luke 2: 8-11 CEV    (you emphasized)