Silent Night? I Don't Think So

Last night, we closed our Evening Worship Service by singing "Silent Night." This carol brings to mind a serene and tranquil scene. However, I really think silence was at a premium in the Little Town of Bethlehem, which was packed with people reporting for the census. All hotels had "No Vacancy" signs posted. Probably, relatives who had not seen each other in a while were reconnecting. So, just as my family gets loud when they get together for a reunion, that was more than likely the case in Bethlehem that night.

How could the night have been silent? Men were probably venting their frustrations to one another regarding the census. Just imagine how inconvenienced they felt. No doubt they resented having to submit to the order by Quirinius to report to Bethlehem (Luke 2:2-3). They hated the Romans and they must have been verbalizing their disdain for them.

Have you been to a barnyard? Cows, sheep, chickens can be loud. Animal noises-"moo's"and "cockle-doodle-do's"-- were sounded all around the birth of Jesus.

More significantly, the manger could not have been silent. Remember, Mary experienced labor pains like all mothers. No epidurals to ease her agonizing discomfort. Joseph and Mary had not been to a Lamaze Class at Nazareth General Hospital. Her breathing and cries of pain were loud as she gave birth for the first time. The long awaited Messiah was born after tears, sweat, and blood were shed.

While the decibel level was higher then we imagine, the birth of Jesus brought peace, hope, and love in the flesh. In the midst of chaos, cackles, and cries, Jesus came.