WHEN GOD IS SILENT

SILENT NIGHT

"Shhhhhh!!!!" Like children, my sister and I can't stifle the giggles. Our attempts at Christmas Eve quiet are rarely achieved. No matter how hard we try to prepare ahead of time, some things must be done in the middle of the night.

There are stockings to fill, presents to arrange, and coffee set to brew. Santa's cookies crumbled, milk slurped, glitter and carrots tossed across the snow.

The kids have no idea of the work that goes into the joy, and we like to keep it that way.

Seeing the look on their faces makes it worth it all.

HOLY NIGHT

1,000 years is like a day to God, so I suppose a day is like 1,000 Christmas Eves.

Jesus said that His Father is always working. Sometimes, if you listen carefully, you might hear Him chuckle as He puts the last few finishing touches on the joy this world cannot contain.

The big reveal is merely around the corner, hidden from our view. And true joy always comes with an element of surprise.

When the shepherds looked up at the night sky on that first Christmas Eve, there was merely a spattering of stars.

Then, suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared, saying, "Don't be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people."

After all these years, when they least expected it, Jesus had come.

A million angel choir set all their darkness ablaze and revealed the glory of God that had been waiting for that very moment.

Even now, your silent night is a holy night.

All that God has planned for you will be revealed one glorious morn.

Don't be afraid. God's still working. The greatest joy is yet to come.

..no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.

1 Corinthians 2:9