I need a silent night...

          "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" 

                     (Amy Grant - I Need A Silent Night)

Tis the season of bustle and broken hearts. It seems everywhere I turn lately there is more bad news creeping in. Oh how my heart aches sometimes with the overwhelming grief, pain, struggles, and trials of this life. Not just mine, but those around me. Friends, family, even acquaintances I barely know: strangers on the news, kids at a school in a different district, a neighbor's aging parent. It seems everyone is facing some sort of hardship right now; some incredibly tragic and some that might seem trivial to those they don't directly impact, but weighing heavily in the hearts facing them. This Christmas is far from normal for us, yet somehow, in the midst of the chaos and confusion, there is overwhelming hope, peace and joy. For every blow life is dealing, God is delivering a rebuttal of incredible blessings. For every hit from the world, God is hitting back with forces mightier and stronger. For every uncertainty, He is providing a definitive answer. For every loss He is providing something bigger and better. Most of the time these blessings are being delivered through those I've never met and never had any contact with. People who I'd never have expected to cross paths with. It's amazing how He works like that. It's important that we find some silence in this season to hear His voice and see His hands moving more clearly. It's important to remember the holy night, the reason for the season. It's important to praise Him and sing with the angels high above the noise of the holiday shopping and parties. It's important to find that midnight clear - the place and time where everything comes into focus. Or maybe, for now, just a place where you can see the faintest light of hope in the distance and know that everything will be okay in time. To find the peace right here. Now. In the midst of it all. To find peace within. Peace with Him. A peace only He can provide. A peace that will overtake our hearts and minds and fill our entire being with nothing but hope and joy. Stop for a moment in the busy bustle of this season and listen. Listen for the silent night. The holy night. The angel voice. The midnight clear. The peace. Listen. Breathe it in and let it consume you. Let it block out the world and let His light shine so brightly you don't have to wonder. Know, with no doubt or hesitation, that He has come, the King was born, our Hope is here and there IS reason to celebrate this Christmas.