Starlit Nights December 1, 2009
Posted by pbbaughman in Busyness.trackback
One of the songs for our second Sunday evening of Advent is “I Need A Silent Night”. I won’t share the words here, but the title itself speaks volumes. So much busyness. So much shopping. So many parties. So much noise. I can’t hear the angels singing. I can’t see the heavens light up.
It seems to me that most of us go from noise and flashing lights to either crashing into instant sleep, or, into fitful, worry-filled insomnia.
Where is the life rhythm that acknowledges the need for quiet nights and enough rest to lay on the grass and gaze with wonder at the stars without falling instantly asleep.
I think it’s why we don’t see and hear angels, like the shepherds did. Too many flashing lights and cacophonous noises. We wouldn’t even notice angels.
Let’s prioritize slowing down. Let’s put star gazing on the calendar. Better yet, let’s start making our “to-do” lists after we’ve lain under a starry sky in awe, or laughed with glee as we played with our kids, or talked late into the night with a friend. It seems we might hear the angels sing… and tell us that a child is born… and fill our hearts with peace and goodwill toward all people everywhere. It might make worshippers out of us and forever re-define our priorities.
One of the main reasons we moved to Sunday Evening Advent times instead of Sunday mornings, was to slow the season down. Let your Sundays be the quiet that you need to hear the angels when they speak. Don’t go shopping – don’t turn on the TV. Have an extra cup of coffee. Play with the kids while you still have your pajamas on. Go out to breakfast with friends. Then come join us for a starlit, song and story filled evening.
This kind of quiet brings a wonderful alertness with it. If I may paraphrase the author of the book of Hebrews in The Bible. When we don’t let our schedules run us, but, instead take time for important things like being hospitable, we just might end up having angels show up, even when we aren’t expecting it.
I’m for angels showing up!
Until Sunday,
Pastor Ben
What an inspiration to stop, just look, and listen. After reading your blog and thinking about the quiet, last night I looked into the sky at an incredible gift from God, a beautiful full moon. I knew immediately that on that crisp, cold night I needed to experience God in a quiet, still way. I went with a friend out to the cross (thanks Keith) and stood in the quiet, cold night and just worshiped and talked to God. What an awesome experience. I really expected to see the angels to apppear, to see some shepards come along side of us, and to see three kings upon camels in the distance. And maybe for a moment, they all did appear, if only in my mind. But the most moving experience was that God the Father was there, so close, and I know again and again what He did coming as a baby in the quiet, cold night. And again giving up His life on that quiet, cold night. All for me to climb and stumble again and again in this life.
Thank you again Pastor Ben for reminding us to stop and listen to the quiet. Hear your heart and hear the voice of God, and maybe even a few angels will show up (they are closer than you think)!
Wow, Cheryl. Thanks for sharing the “quiet”. It made my heart worship.
Wow, does that ever hit home!
I do remember lying outside on the grass when I was a child, looking at the stars and learning the constellations with my parents. Now, I lament that I don’t “have time” to do that with my own children! (A sidenote: the stars really are the brightest and most amazing in the winter!)
I love the thought of being able to “entertain angels” just by slowing down just to have the opportunity to…
I also agree with the implication that busyness can prevent us from truly worshipping. I can see that weekly as a worship leader–it is really difficult to truly worship when you are concerned about all the details of the songs and service.
Again, I say “Wow,” Pastor Ben. You really nailed it this week!!!
Thanks, Letty.