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On December 24th, 1816 a newly ordained Catholic priest took a 20 minute walk to a nearby town that proved to be a very productive walk. No one is really sure what thoughts were going through the head of Josef Mohr but what came out through his pen is considered to be one of the greatest Christmas hymns ever written. On that walk Josef wrote a poem he called “Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!” or better known to us as Silent Night. The music for this peace would come about 3 years later from Franz Gruber, who was the organist for the church where Mohr served as an associate. The inspiration for the song is unquestionable as I can envision a young man walking slowly through the Austrian countryside thinking back to a night that would change the world.
However, the words chosen to begin the song would show Mr. Mohr’s lack of understanding of what must have taken place that night. I have been blessed to be at my wife’s side as she gave birth to all three of our children, and I have also heard stories from other men who have received great pains from their wives as they were giving birth. Based on my humble experiences I can assure you that modern childbirth is no “silent” thing! I am equally convinced that as Mary gave birth to Jesus in a less than sanitary environment, with much less modern medical technology, and with no paid professionals on hand to aide in the delivery, that there is very little chance that this night would be “silent.” I can also state with confidence that this night was full of busy travelers, all trying to find the 1st century version of Motel 6 where they’ll “leave the light on for you.” There would have been merchants out in full swing trying to sell the “warmest, softest, most enjoyable blankets in Bethlehem.” There would have been “camel station” attendants ready to bring out a fresh pale of water. There would have been “donkey travel plazas” with the best rates on straw for miles. I am sure every hustler and gimmick in town was geared up for all of the tax day weary travelers! This would not have been a very silent night at all!
However, “holy night” certainly applies and for this choice in words Mr. Mohr gets a “job well done” sticker! With the first, fresh cry of a babies voice came the most holy event the world had ever known. On this “holy night” life on Earth and in Heaven would change for all of eternity; on this “holy night” Heaven came down to the stench of animals far worse than those surrounding the baby in those stalls; on this “holy night” all of creation was put on notice that “Christ the Savior is born!”; and on this “holy night” the sacrifice for all of my sins began to walk and talk among those He would save. PRAISE GOD FOR THIS “HOLY NIGHT!”
…because He still lives,Jason16.12.2008. 08:51
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