Did you know “Silent Night” is the most-recorded Christmas song in history? Over 700 artists have recorded a version since 1978.
I was surprised when I first heard this — like you probably are now. I didn’t understand why this specific song was so popular. What about it resonated with so many people?
But after taking a moment to reflect on it, I think I know why.
Christmas should be a joyful time of year. We spend time with friends and family. We celebrate Jesus’ birth and our salvation found through Him.
But sometimes, that gets lost in the busyness and expectations that come with the holiday season.
Children in our sponsorship programs around the world are getting ready to celebrate Christmas!
We can get so overwhelmed with buying presents, preparing meals, and scheduling time to see our loved ones that we lose sight of the real reason we’re celebrating.
Instead of focusing on God, we become stressed, on edge, and, if we’re honest, sometimes downright miserable in the chaos of it all.
“Silent Night” is a reminder to slow down … to take a moment to breathe and spend time in the Lord’s presence.
Psalm 46:10 says, “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’”
I think “Silent Night” is so popular because it reminds us to be still. It offers up a moment of peace amid all the noise.
This holiday season, join me in this prayer to be still and find peace in God’s presence:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come before you today seeking a moment of rest in the quiet of Your presence.
I bring to You the burdens that I carry in my heart this holiday season. I lay at Your feet, my pain, my stress, my fears, and my loneliness. I trust You to carry them in my place — knowing that you are close to the brokenhearted and crushed in spirit.
I ask for the Holy Spirit to give me an unshakeable peace and to fill my heart with joy as I celebrate the birth of Your Son Jesus, my Savior.
This Christmas, let me be a light to those around me. Let me be a source of hope and comfort that will point my loved ones to You.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with friends and family this year.
And I hope that each time you hear “Silent Night,” you take a moment to be still and thank the Lord for giving us the most precious gift of all.