Not So Silent NightTherefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”
Isaiah 7:14
Silent night, Holy night!
I don’t think the stable where Mary gave birth was quiet. Instead, I imagine donkeys neighing, pigs oinking and lambs baaing. Add to this noise the moans of a teenage girl and the worried words of her frightened husband. Then, in their midst, a baby’s cry is heard, followed by the relieved laughter of Joseph. The baby is placed in his mother’s outstretched arms and, for a moment, sound and movement cease. The night has become Holy. In that miraculous moment of silence, mother and child gaze into each other’s eyes. A smile forms on Mary's tired face and tears of gratitude fall from her eyes. A prayer of thanksgiving is whispered.
In the distance is the sound of thousands upon thousands of angels singing—announcing the birth of our Savior and King. As the chorus ends, every untethered animal slowly walks toward Mary and Baby JESUS. Mary uncovers His face so they, too, can gaze at their King. Joseph takes the baby and places Him gently in the manger, while shepherds arrive and breathlessly proclaim, “There—he’s in there…”
The first Christmas has come. The gift giver is God the Father. The gift is God the Son—begotten by God the Holy Spirit.
"She will bear a Son, and you shall call his name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:21