As we enter the Christmas season, the classic carol Silent Night has been getting a lot of my attention. I think there are a few reasons for that. The first reason is that it is tradition in our household that, starting on Thanksgiving day, every streaming device and radio is tuned to Christmas music 24/7, so I’ve been hearing it a LOT lately. More seriously though, the music of Silent Night is simply beautiful, and evokes an almost other-worldly tranquility. It draws us into the “heavenly peace” of the sleeping Christ child. It transports us beyond our selves and our circumstances. It calms us, and somehow reassures us that everything is going to be ok, now that Messiah is here.
Mainly, I think Silent Night has my attention because in some way, unlike other years, I am “ready” for Christmas to be here. Make no mistake, this has been a very busy, almost chaotic, year for me. But one thing I have learned this year is to embrace that “heavenly peace.” Every. Single. Day. Another thing I’ve learned is that “heavenly peace” does not just happen for me. I must seek it out and make space for it in my life. Every. Single. Day. Because without resting in that peace, I am an anxious overachiever striving in my own strength to make things happen. But when I do rest in that peace, I am content to simply follow Jesus - aka King of Kings and Lord of Lords - knowing that He will achieve His purposes in my life, and in the world.
The daily practice of “silence and stillness” has become absolutely essential for me this year. Different from scripture reading and prayer (also essential!), it is a practice of quieting the heart and mind in order to listen to the Spirit. The idea behind the practice is not that I “do” something, rather that I am simply present and available to receive from God. When I first started this practice I discovered just how impossible it was to actually quiet my heart and mind. Every little worry, every unresolved issue, and every to-do list item came marching out in a parade of distraction. It was frustrating. Until I learned this was an opportunity to give each of those things to God. “Lord I sense I’m worried about my doctor’s appointment today… but I trust you with that.” “Lord this war in Ukraine is horrible… but you are sovereign.” “Lord the Toyota is overdue for an oil change…" In so doing I not only build my faith, I also clear out a little more space for God’s peace to rule and reign in my life. Eventually as the distractions cease, there’s even some space to receive whatever God choses to give of himself in that moment. Perhaps it’s a word of encouragement, an experience of joy, or a sense of His love.
My wish for you this Christmas season that you may live - daily - in “heavenly peace” this year. Messiah is here, and everything is going to be ok. Be still (and silent!) and know that He is God.
Blessings-
Mike
PS - It helps to have a guide for the journey into silence and stillness. Entire books have been written on the subject, but you can get a simple taste of the practice in Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day by Peter Scazzaro.