Silent Night

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Silent Night

by Danette Reeves

This Christmas season may look very different for some of us. Many have had job losses, illnesses, or deaths in their families. Our lives have been impacted and changed over the past two years. The economy is hurting; families and friends are hurting. Maybe you are hurting. And maybe your heart feels silent during Christmas shopping and music and plays.

Josef Mohr, who wrote the lyrics to “Silent Night” in 1816, was from Salzburg, Austria. He was one of three illegitimate sons whose father abandoned the family. His godfather was the town executioner. Eventually, he lived as a foster child with the curate of the local Catholic cathedral. These times were very challenging. The Napoleonic Wars ended in 1816. Mohr was living in an isolated mountain village that still practiced pre-Christian rituals. Mohr believed God alone offers salvation without the necessity of a priest. Life was simple, frugal, and lonely. Yet, amid hardships, the verses to “Silent Night” came as a great reminder of what we celebrate: Jesus, Lord at Thy birth! Silent Night! Holy Night! Son of God, love’s pure light. Radiant beams from thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace. Jesus, Lord at thy birth. Jesus, Lord at thy birth.

Later, Mohr met Xaver Gruber in Oberndorf, Austria. Gruber was the musician, also from very humble circumstances, who penned the music for “Silent Night” which was to be played on the organ for the Christmas Eve service at St. Nicholas parish church in 1818. The organ was broken when they arrived for the Christmas Eve service, so Gruber strapped on his guitar and led the congregation in the first rendition of “Silent Night.” Somehow, that seems to be the perfect accompaniment for the beautiful simplicity of this song.

As you approach this Christmas season, find rest and peace in your relationship with God, the Creator and Lover of your soul. He loves you so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for your sins. He was buried and rose again, conquering death and hell. He wants a relationship with

you. This Christmas season is a great time to renew your love and devotion to Jesus. After all, He truly is the reason for the season.

Because of Jesus, we can rest in the midst of excitement, busyness, chaos, loneliness, grief, and pain. We can have peace that passes all understanding…even in suffering. My mind goes to the scripture in Psalm 4:8, “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.”

Find some time to rest in Jesus and sleep in the peace of His love.

About The Author Danette Reeves and her husband, Charlie, live in Cleveland, TN. They attend The Church at Grace Point. One of their joys is being Oma and Opa to four grandchildren. Her heart’s desire is to be a student and a teacher of the Word, and a consistent follower of Jesus.