I Need a Silent Night

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?

And there were 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 sore afraid

And the angel 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

 

 

When I first heard this song, I thought...there Amy Grant goes again, singing the thoughts in my head.  Maybe it is the fact that we share the same birthday, but I feel myself drawn to her lyrics and melodies over and over.  Today is the first day of Advent 2011 and I am going to try to keep this song as my focus. 

There are SO many things that can distract me from the real meaning of Christmas...shopping, parties, decorating, Christmas programs, the list goes on and on.  Are all of these things bad?  No, not in and of themselves, but if done out of obligation, pride or exhaustion, then they have missed the point.  Yes, I will shop, party, decorate and lead many programs, but I hope that I will remember to keep my focus on the real reason for the season. 

When I find myself stressed or just plain exhausted, it is then that I hope to set aside time to read my Advent Devotional, listen to some beautiful Christmas music, and bask in the glow of our Christmas tree.  Focusing on the most important thing, the birth of my Lord and Savior.  Bring on the chaos and the noise ~ I am hearing angel voices!