Silent Night
We recently started a sermon series on Christmas Songs. No, we are not talking about songs like Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer or even Joy to the World. We are looking at songs that are in the Bible. The combination of these two thoughts came together around the homework table a few nights ago. My son said he was learning the song Away in the Manger at school, but he kept getting hung up on the words “no crying he makes”. He said “that can’t be the words, cause Jesus doesn’t cry”. My daughter at that wonderful age of teen contrarianism, quickly had to correct my son…. “Actually, the shortest verse in the Bible is “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). So Jesus did cry!“
This banter between children is a profound example of the dichotomy of the season. Jesus in a manger. Jesus in a garden. Jesus upon a cross. Jesus in a tomb. An empty tomb.
The cry of a newborn in a manger.
The cry of anguish in the garden.
The cry of “It is finished…into your hands I commend my spirit!”
The silence of a tomb….broken
Broken by the cry of victory of the heavens….
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (Revelation 5:12)
From generation to generation the church has sang that song.
That song has been our cry.
So, as much as we want to talk about a Silent Night, may we not be silent.
May we heed His cry,
May we remember that he wipes away every tear (Revelation 21:4)
May we remember the reason for the season.
Given and Shed…for you.
A Blessed Advent my friends
-Pastor Dan