Why I love Christmas – Silent Nights

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

We were out briefly yesterday for my only visit to the mall during the Christmas season.  I have almost everything in place and am concentrating on filling up the corners.  I was astounded at the noise.  Last year I did not go to the mall during the entire Christmas season. 

I am a lifelong observer of people and the human condition.  As I age I see the world a little differently each year.  It takes minimal effort to keep my good spirits most days.  What I observed yesterday was a sea of souls bent on purchasing.  What so many of them truly need is a gift that is freely given.

Because most of my work is done I can give my attention to other things.  I can concentrate on being kind out in public.  I can give time to the practical needs of family, friends, and strangers.  I can spend an evening or two just enjoying the Christmas lights and reflecting on the blessings of God in my life.

Just like my mobile phone I need a daily recharge.  I need to get the energy to walk amongst the lost world and try to be light.  That is obtained through intentional times of devotion, prayer, and meditation toward Christ and his gifts to us.  It is maintained through working to keep perspective on what matters. 

In that short time at the mall I was reminded that the battle rages around me all the time.  The war for men’s hearts, minds, and souls does not have an silent nights.  If I fail to prepare for it I may lose my awareness of it.  Sometimes we prepare for war by enjoying a little peace.  Make time for it Dear Reader.  I know that I must.

I Need A Silent Night – Amy Grant

I've made the same mistake before

Too many malls, too many stores

December traffic, Christmas rush

It breaks me till I push and shove

Children are crying while mothers are trying

To photograph Santa and sleigh

The shopping and buying and standing forever in line

What can I say?

I need a silent night, a holy night

To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise

I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here

To end this crazy day with a silent night

December comes then disappears

Faster and faster every year

Did my own mother keep this pace

Or was the world a different place?

Where people stayed home wishing for snow

Watching three channels on their TV

Look at us now rushing around

Trying to buy Christmas peace

I need a silent night, a holy night

To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise

I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here

To end this crazy day with a silent night

What was it like back there in Bethlehem

With peace on earth, good will toward men?

Every shepherd's out in the field

Keeping watch over their flock by night

And the glory of the Lord shone around them

And they were so afraid

And the angels said fear not for behold

I bring you good news of a great joy that shall be for all people

For unto you is born this day a Savior, who is Christ the Lord

And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace

I need a silent night, a holy night

To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise

I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here

To end this crazy day with a silent night

To end this crazy day with a silent night

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store." 

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