Another Silent Night

[6] And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

[7] And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

[8] And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

Luke 2:6-8 (KJV)

It was a night like any other in Bethlehem — a silent night, some call it. Men, women and children were probably retiring from the day’s endeavours, going about their regular evening activities.

However, for certain shepherds, while others settled into their homes to retire for the night, it was time for them to settle down for their night watch in the fields.

Within the same region, a child foretold by an angel had just been born, laid in the only available space: a manger. This baby wrapped in swaddling clothes would be important, not only to the woman who humbly accepted her role in His entrance to this world, or to the man who obediently accepted his pregnant virgin-bride, but to all of those who were yet oblivious of his birth that evening and to the entire human race indeed.

For many, it was a normal day progressing as usual, but in reality, a divine prophecy was unfolding.

Christmas festivities come for a lot of people these days as a regular part of their year; an annual ritual filled with nostalgic carols and different forms of celebration.

Yet beyond the tradition is a profound, divine and joyous news for the world.

[9] And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them (the shepherds), and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

[10] And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

[11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

[12] And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

[13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

[14] Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:9-14 (KJV)

The angel declared ‘good tidings’ of ‘great joy’, not just to the lowly shepherds but to all people. Simply put, Good News for everyone!!!

What is the good news, you ask? Salvation for all mankind!

Picture yourself — nay, the whole world — in a dire emergency. When help shows up, it is good news indeed, the kind that calls for great rejoicing. Jesus came to save us from such as we could not save ourselves.

We had barely even realised the amount of despair and death that we were in, before God set His divine gracious plan in motion. The good news that Christmas reveals is Christ’s birth for the purpose of our salvation and peace with God.

The angels told the message then, but we re-echo it now: Good news! Salvation for all!

As though to corroborate the great news, a multitude of the heavenly host joined to glorify God for the miracle of Christmas. It is worthy to note how the shepherds responded to this news, as we see in the following verses.

[15] And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

[16] And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

[17] And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

[18] And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

[19] But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

[20] And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Luke 2:15-20 (KJV)

The shepherds recognised the privilege information that had been made known to them and they sought out with haste this special Saviour-child for themselves. After they had seen Him, they chose to spread the news abroad to everyone who cared to hear. And when they returned from their encounter, they did so glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.

If we are to truly celebrate the essence of Christmas, we must look beyond the typicalities and ordinary routines to what is truly important. We must recognise the reason for the season- which is the birth of Christ, for our salvation. Regardless of our perception of Christ before now, we must seek to encounter Him more deeply, to see the Lord as God would have us know Him. We must also share the good news to everyone because it is indeed glad tidings of great joy to all people. To crown it, we must glorify and praise God for this wondrous gift of His love.

As we partake again this year in the festivities, may we not lose sight of the significance of Christ’s birth and may this season not just be another ‘silent night’, Amen!

Merry Christmas to you and yours. ❤️