In December, 2007, I traveled with the Knoxville Choral Society to Israel on a “Prepare the Way” concert tour. We were able to see so many Biblical sites related to Jesus’ life. When you visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, you enter through a small door into the church. Then you go down some steps into a small cave like room beneath the church. There you see the traditional site of the birth of Christ. A star in the stone alter represents the birth place.This is such an amazing moment! When we were once again in the sanctuary of the church, we gathered around and sang “Silent Night.” The acappella sound filled the church with beautiful echoes of love and peace. My heart was filled with joy!
After singing a Christmas Eve concert in Bethlehem Square, including the “Hallelujah” chorus from The Messiah, the choral group returmed to the states later that same night. I decided to take a little walk around the plane. I stopped to look out the window. Below were the Alps. Nestled in the mountains were soft glowing lights from villages. It truly was a beautiful sight of a “Silent Night.”
I have often wondered if the birth of Christ was silent. There were angels singing, shepherds coming to worship, animals sounds, and a newborn baby. No matter, it was a night for worshipful celebration.
Silent Night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright,
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child!
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night! Holy Night! Shepherds quake at the sight,
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heavenly hosts sing: “Alleluia;”
Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born.
Silent night! Holy night! Son of God, love’s pure Light,
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
Silent night! Holy Night! Wondrous Star, lend thy light;
With the angels let us sing, “Alleluia to our King;”
Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born.
Sumitted By: Pam Jackson