Silent Night...
It was December 26, 2013. We were spending our last night in Kentucky before moving to Colombia. As we got in bed Ricardo said, "Enjoy the silence of this night because it will be your last one for a long time!"
He was right. Colombian nights are not silent, especially at this time of year! I like to say that it is evidence of Colombian's generosity...they like to share everything, including their music, with everyone. And of course, that doesn't take the fireworks into account! Silent night is a completely foreign concept in Medellín!
But this year, for the first time in a long time, we're back in Kentucky for Christmas where Silent Nights are not only a concept but a reality...and they've got me thinking about the very first Christmas.
At our church in Kentucky, we sing Silent Night to close each Christmas Eve service. But was it really silent? I doubt it! Another favorite carol says the "cattle are lowing" loud enough to awaken the Baby Jesus. And there weren't just cattle in the barn! That doesn't even take into account all of the residents and visitors in Bethlehem that night. And then there were angels giving a heavenly concert. And of course, on top of all of that, a new parent hears every move or sound a newborn makes. So, I just can't imagine that it was ever really a silent night!
And what about our Silent Nights? Are they really silent? Even if there is snow on the ground and sub-zero temperatures, even if you could hear a pin drop when the heater is taking it's well deserved few-minute break, is it really silent?
What is the narrative running through our heads keeping it from being silent? Concerns and worries OR anticipation and plans? Those things can get quite noisy at times. But tonight, just tonight, let's try to silence those.
Let us all celebrate Christmas this year, silently contemplating that baby in the manger. He is so much more than a baby because He is our Savior. He came to silence our concerns and worries. They should have died with Him on the crossut sometimes we like to hold on to them...and even share them with others.
This year, let's focus our eyes upon Jesus and live in the peace of the Silent Nights that only He can give us!
Merry Christmas from our Kentucky Home to yours,
Ricardo, Beth, Juliana and Jonathan Gómez
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