And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7
Certainly we have arrived at the unfolding of a very busy time of year. The month of December gives way to frantic shopping trips, over extended schedules and plenty of last minute items to scratch off the list. Yet, this is nothing new. Year after year, people find it difficult to simply enjoy the warmth, peace and joy of the approaching Christmas season. As the days rush on toward December 25th, so many people tend to overfill their days with activity until the things “to do” end up spilling over into the evening hours. So much to do; so little time. Such is life during the month of December.
The Church is not immune to such commotion. Congregations large and small have calendars filled with events, choir rehearsals, extra services and plenty of other activities. It’s of little wonder that by the time the Christmas Day celebration is concluded, we are all ready for rest. Believe it or not, one of our most beloved Christmas songs was born out of such a frantic time.
In 1818, Father Joseph Mohr was preparing for the Christmas service at St. Nicholas’ Church in Oberndorf, Austria. Of course, plans had been made well in advance, choirs and musicians had rehearsed the special music selected for the festival worship and all appeared ready. Father Mohr decided to take a few moments for himself and enjoy playing some music on the church organ. Imagine his shock as he sat upon the bench and the organ would not play. After several frantic hours attempting to make repairs, Father Mohr came to the conclusion that other music would be needed, but there was no time to make such arrangements. That is when he experienced a moment of grace.
Years earlier, Father Mohr had written a simple poem for Christmas but never really shared it with anyone. He found the poem and took it to the church organist, asking if it were possible to come up with a tune that the choir could learn on very short notice. With no organ available, the organist, Franz Gruber, wrote a simple arrangement for the guitar. Neither of the two men could imagine this simple song, the words written years earlier and the tune at the spur of the moment would become one of the most beloved hymns of Christmas.
As our lives continue to be filled with seemingly endless activity and our world continues to spin out of control, the blessing of Christmas is instilled within the hearts of God’s people as we sing Father Mohr’s Silent Night amid the soft glow of lighted candles. Within the words of Mohr’s poem comes the Christmas proclamation that God has indeed kept his promise to send unto the people of earth a Savior.
Luke reminds us that even the sleepy town of Bethlehem was teeming with activity the night Christ was born. As Joseph and Mary struggled to find a place to rest following their journey from Nazareth, the town was bursting at the seams. A lowly stable became the only option as Mary gave birth to the baby who is Christ the Lord. Still, in the silence of the surrounding fields, angels sang unto lowly shepherds the glad tidings of Jesus’ birth.
As we make our annual sojourn into the Christmas season, it is my prayer that we all take time away from the urgency of life and all its activities. May we simply remember the gift of Christ our Lord. In the midst of so much activity, Christmas comes in its fullest sense during the quietest of moments. These moments declare to us the fullest measure of God’s love; especially as we sing, once more, the beloved words written by Father Joseph Mohr; “Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright.” May the joy of Christ be yours this Christmas and always.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
