In the 21st-century, Christmastime is anything but silent. It’s busy and hectic, and joyfully noisy as we go from store-to-store shopping for gifts and menu items. Lights line the trees on the streets as we drive by, and holiday carols play on the car radio.

But one cold Christmas Eve in the Austrian Alps, as Father Joseph Mohr prepared for his midnight service, he was told that the church organ was broken and there would be no music this evening. Discouraged by the news, he sat down and began to write a poem; a song that could be sung organ-less. The words that came to his mind were, “Silent Night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright…” He took the text to his organist, Franz Gruber, and asked him to compose a simple tune. That night, December 24, 1818, “Silent Night” was sung for the first time as a duet accompanied by a guitar. The melody complemented the lyrics perfectly as they sung about a very holy night that quietly welcomed our Savior into this world.   

This song is still enjoyed and sung today in a world that is less quiet and still. Although our Christmas is much busier today than it was for Mary and Joseph, thanks to songs like “Silent Night” we can imagine what the stillness of that first Christmas might have been like. It might not have been completely “silent”, given the fact that they spent the night in a stable with animals nearby, but if you’ve ever held a sleeping baby, you can imagine the peacefulness of that most special moment. We would do well to insist on some silence this Christmas season, a moment to turn off the noise and reflect on the reason for the season - The birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ!

Silent night, holy night,

 all is calm, all is bright.

Round yon virgin mother and child.

holy infant, so tender and mild,

sleep in Heavenly peace; sleep in Heavenly peace.

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Lord, during this most holy season help me to reflect on the reason we celebrate. Don’t allow the busyness of this time to overshadow that you came to this earth on a peaceful and holy night. Christmas is about you and your love for all mankind - thank you! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1. Isaiah 7:14 (ESV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.