Some Thoughts About the "Silent Night"

Today I'm delighted to share this beautiful carol with you, sung by Michael W. Smith and Little Big Town on his new Christmas album . . . I have never heard a more lovely presentation of this song . . . enjoy!

And, I thought this would be a great time to share some information with you which I heard Sunday; we all grow up hearing about Joseph and Mary and their trip to Bethlehem where they found, "no room in the inn". We know how they ended up in the stable where Jesus was born. While this is true, our "facts" may be a bit, "off". At the time they traveled to Bethlehem there were probably no more than a few hundred people in the town as it truly was a "little town". Since it was "little", it is unlikely they even had an "inn" for there to be "no room" for them. As the Bible tells us, Joseph was returning to his home-town for the census, so it is far more likely he found no room at his family's home. Why would his family not welcome him; especially with Mary about to give birth? Because she was pregnant and they were not married; a stoning offense. It is highly likely his family told him to go to the stable/cave and refused to let them in their home. How do you explain the baby is God's Son to a family who thinks you should have had your fiancee stoned? Do we all have even more respect for Joseph now? Saying, "yes" to God to be the earthly parents of Jesus was no small thing for Joseph and Mary to agree to!

And, it is very likely the shepherds who were "quaking at the sight" of the angels, were actually the shepherds who cared for the sheep which were destined for the temple's sacrifices. Doesn't this bring greater understanding to why the angels took the news of the Lamb of God Who would die as a sacrifice for us all to the shepherds who cared for the sheep which were sacrificed at the temple?!!

Jesus was born in a stable/cave, grew and lived a sinless life so we all could be forgiven and know God's great grace and love! Yes, He is the Reason for the Season and the very Best Gift we could ever receive!