Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created. Revelation 4:11 (ESV)
During these busy days before Christmas and surgery, my sleep patterns are all over the place. I went to bed at 9PM and by 11, I was still wide awake. Two cats were snuggled on the bed and there was no room for me. I felt like I needed to do something of more value instead of gazing at the ceiling.
Moving downstairs, I sat at my writing table in the dark. I could see the snow-covered field clearly; the quietness was just what I needed.
A bitter cold night of 4 degrees set the chilly atmosphere. The moon made the snow sparkle like glittery diamonds. (If only they were all real!) I was totally amazed at how plainly I could observe everything around me. The shadows were extremely dark and long—yet there was no movement of any kind.
What did I see? Nothing! Not one of His creatures was in sight. All I saw was a peaceful setting that put an unexplained calmness deep in my heart—you know, that all-is-right-with-the-world feeling.
This all reminded me of this up-coming Christmas which stands alone. Every year is different. But on the night Jesus was born, His first cries were probably drowned out by all the loud, rowdy guests in Bethlehem. That all is calm, all is bright silent night was something on a wish list. Right?
What about the stable? In children’s books, we see images of awe, calm, and even smiling animals. I seriously doubt that is how it went down but there is one thing that is captured in every account and picture—peace.
A radiant star led several visitors to verify the angel’s announcement regarding the birth of their King. Chaos did not overtake peace. Out of reverence, there was peace but their joy could not be contained!
That was then and this is now.
As daylight comes, I’ll see deer tracks coming out of the woods; their hunger drives them in search of food. I’ll hear cars slowly driving by headed for work. My cell phone will buzz. And I’m out the door to a doctor’s appointment, painting, addressing Christmas cards…
But from my snowy field in the middle of the night I found a calmness steeped in gratitude.
Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.
Heavenly Father, thank You for those “moments” that you give. Help us to slow down and focus on You during this season. Give us peace. AMEN.