Blogmas 2016 – “I Need A Silent Night”

Day 16

Actually, this is not a cry for help but a shout-out to Amy Grant for her Christmas song from a few years ago. It is a cry for some of the peace of the true meaning of the season which is drowned out by what it has become. I love the parallels and contrasts that are woven through the words and melody.

“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”

After the first chorus, Amy starts to compare the hectic pace of today with the world in her mother’s time. I remember growing up things were not as chaotic as they are now. The stores kept regular hours all through the holiday season, not staying open until 10 pm or even midnight to allow shoppers time to spend all of their hard-earned money. And I don’t remember anything about “Black Friday” or “Boxing Day” sales that now can run for weeks or even months!

“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”

And then a two line bridge and spoken words take us back all the way to where it all started where there were no stores, internet shopping or even Christmas decorations (other than the Northern Star!).

What was it like back there in Bethlehem
With peace on earth, goodwill toward men?”

(spoken)
“Every 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 so afraid

And the angels 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
To end this crazy day with a silent night”

Written by Amy Grant, Chris Eaton • Copyright © BMG Rights Management US, LLC

The original “Silent Night” carol has become a true anthem of what the first Christmas is thought to have been. It is sung by candlelight at Christmas Eve services all around the world. It is almost the cue for everything to slow down to a stop and prepare our hearts for the true meaning of it all – the birth of a baby in a stable 2,000 years ago.

Lydia!