Through the coming weeks many Christmas Carols will be heard or sung. One of the most popular is “Silent Night, Holy Night” which is a lovely Carol. Yet the night Jesus was born was anything but silent! Bethlehem was packed as people came for the Census. Whatever the licensing laws in those days, there would have been much noise from the Inn – talking, drinking, singing, shouting, all no doubt heard in the stable where Mary and Joseph had sought refuge.
Then, after the birth, shepherds came to visit, bringing their noise and excitement at the message and song of the angels. They, no doubt left the stable singing.
There is only one person who is silent in all this – Mary. She has much to reflect upon. She knew her child was special, and unique, and virgin-born. Yet there he was born in a dirty stable; His first visitors being scruffy shepherds. Mary treasured all these things and kept them in her heart; her silence was not just an empty silence, but a wordless sense of awe and wonder. This tiny baby, looking no different from any other newly born male, is in fact the One who holds the whole world in his hand. He is “God of God, light of lights, very God of very God, begotten not created.” This mystery surely reduces us all to silence, not empty silence but the silence that is full of wonder, love and praise.
Before we come to Christmas, we have the Advent season of preparation which, for many like that first Christmas, is a time of much outer noise and considerable activity. This Advent and Christmas try to make time to draw into the heart of God as we
focus our gaze on the One who is Emmanuel, God with us. Make space to fall silent
before the mystery of God made human.
As we reflect lovingly on the coming of Christ, who brings light to the world, let us also not forget all those who see no light, for whom all is darkness and despair. May they, and all of us, be illumined by Christ who is our light. And may God who loved the world so much that He sent His only Son give us hearts ready to welcome Him this coming Christmas.
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
Wednesday 10th December
Cheshire Young Farmers Carol Service 7.30pm.
Sunday 21st December
Service of Nine Lessons & Carols 7pm
Wednesday 24th December
Christmas Eve
Christingle and Nativity 4pm
Christmas Day
Parish Communion with Carols 10.30 am
With Every Blessing for Advent & Christmas
Peter