Each Christmas season when our kids were younger, their bedtime routine would change to include singing some traditional Christmas carols like Silent Night and O Holy Night. The songs made for a soothing transition from playtime/wrestle time/LEGO time to bedtime.
Silent night, holy night.
I still find the songs soothing. They serve as a welcome antidote to what often feels like a constant stream of negative news coming across our television and computer screens, and at least a small bit of comfort for the pain we all feel from world events.
All is calm, all is bright.
Given all the strife in the world — and maybe in your own circumstances — the sentiments expressed in those lyrics might sound like nothing more than wishful thinking.
Maybe right now, as we celebrate Christmas, we all need the reminder that these are the same sentiments the prophet Micah expressed seven centuries before Jesus was born. He described a Savior who would provide his followers with a sense of security and peace that transcends their circumstances.
"He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace." – Micah 5:4-5
And maybe we need to read afresh these words of Jesus.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." – Matthew 11:28-30
Perhaps this year, in the midst of all the challenging news from around the world, we need to approach Christmas — we need to approach Christ — with a fresh sense of faith. Perhaps now more than ever we need to let go of our desire to understand and simply trust, simply worship.
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger, Behold your King! Before him lowly bend! Behold your King, Behold your King.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
