Artwork:
Nativity by Gari Melchers, (1891) depicts the Christ child illuminated within a humble setting as the weary faces of Mary and Joseph tenderly look upon the mystery of God incarnate.

Advent Devotional

In Austria, “Stille Nacht” or Silent Night is considered a national treasure. Traditionally the song was not allowed to be played publicly until Christmas Eve. Yet, the composer of the hymn, one of the world’s most popular Christmas carols, was only recently confirmed through the discovery of an original manuscript of the song

Joseph Mohr worked as a country priest serving a small village in present-day Austria. His father had abandoned the family prior to his birth, and Joseph relied on the encouragement and support of the local church for his education. He was active in the choir, learned violin and guitar, and went on to seminary and full-time ministry. While a parish priest, Joseph penned Silent Night and asked his friend, a local schoolmaster, to compose the melody for a Christmas eve service.

Years later when the song gained notoriety, Mohr had been forgotten and the song was variously attributed to Beethoven, Mozart, or other famous composers. Joseph was content to remain unacclaimed. After thirty-three years of ministry and just prior to his death in 1848, he donated all of his possessions for the education of children in his community.

Mohr’s song helps us still our souls and move into a holy remembrance of Christ’s advent. Here we see not just a baby in a manger, but love’s pure light, the Savior, Christ who is Lord even at His birth. In the silence we realize that we too can encounter God’s redeeming grace. The one who conquers death, the Messiah, the Son of God has come into the world.

Prayer

Father,
may my family,
loved ones, and I see in
Christmas Your Son, the
Light of the World.
Help me to be a herald
of Your Good News.
In Jesus name.

Amen