The Silence of Christmas
I'm a long-time Southern girl. Most often we celebrated the Christmas season in cotton sweaters and longed for cold weather. But occasionally in December we got a snowy moment or two. And what I remember most about a snowy morning was stepping outside and hearing absolutely NOTHING. The silence of snow is a most beautiful thing. In fact, not much else in my world creates silence. But when presented with it, I suddenly realize my deep longing for it.
Zechariah was a priest in the Temple in Jerusalem just before Jesus was born. Let's read about him:
Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. 14 He will be a
joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth,
Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”
19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”
I've always thought that what happened to Zechariah was only a punishment for his unbelief. But most recently, my pastor taught about the gift of silence and that perhaps Zechariah received more than he could imagine.
Our world doesn't offer us much silence. Even when we are silently on our phones our minds are whirling. Maybe what we all need for Christmas is silence not more packages and bows. Not more but less.
I believe that my heart and soul long for silence. Silence that accompanies and surrounds us like new snow, silence that embraces and encompasses thoughts. Silence where we can hear the angels or God Himself speak. Perhaps that's the gift Zechariah received before his baby boy, John, was born. When presented with it, perhaps he suddenly realized his deep longing for it. What could he have received in the silence? What affirming love and acceptance awaited him? What wisdom did he receive?
From the continuing story in the Bible (Luke 1:67-79) it seems Zechariah learned quite a bit as once the silence passed he leaned into worship, praise and honor of this Holy God.
Oh, Silent Night, come quickly. Let me choose silent minutes as Christmas Day arrives.
Now, let's sit in silence right now for 30 seconds...Do you hear what I hear?
