The beloved Christmas carol “Silent Night” beautifully captures the scene of Jesus’ birth. As the prophet Isaiah foretold 700 years earlier: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2). On that silent, holy night in Bethlehem, a bright light was about to dawn.
As the carol opens, all is still and radiant as the world awaits its Savior: “Silent night, holy night! All is calm; all is bright.” The stillness sets the tone as heavenly peace is about to enter the world. Luke 2 tells us the nativity story – Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem, unable to find proper lodging and taking refuge in a stable, where Mary gave birth to her firstborn son. As we imagine that quiet night, Mary and Joseph gazing down at their infant boy wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger, this beloved carol reminds us that this baby lying before them is no ordinary child. He is the Lord, Messiah, and Savior who has come to redeem the world:
“Round yon virgin mother and child. Holy infant so tender and mild.” As prophesied, a son would be given to us, bearing the title “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Truly, this silent night in Bethlehem delivered what we all needed most – our Savior.
The chorus calls us to worship, affirming that the long-awaited Savior is wrapped in flesh lying in that manger: “Christ the Savior is born!” The angels declared his glory and birth to nearby shepherds that night, proclaiming, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord!” (Luke 2:11) As Emmanuel, God with us, Jesus came that holy night to walk among us and redeem us from our sin.
On that transformed night over 2000 years ago, heaven touched the earth. As the final verse concludes: “Son of God, Lives pure light! Radiant beams from thy holy face, tis the dawn of redeeming grace.” The dawn of redeeming grace had come to deliver mankind through the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. During this Christmas season, we exalt and worship Christ, who set aside his glory to dwell among us and bring us back to the Father. What beautiful redemption, making possible a silent and holy night that still fills our hearts with peace and joy so many years later!
Josh Cehulik 