And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

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 may be one of the most widely sung Christmas Carols. My most recent memories are singing silent night during Christmas Eve candlelight services. The tune brings us to a quiet sense of worship and wonder at what God has done.

The third stanza reminds us of the goodness of God’s grace –

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.

In the verse above, John declares the glory of God’s only Son, the “pure light” who brings “redeeming grace.” Amongst the dinners and activities and giving and receiving of presents, let us not lose sight of Christ’s redemptive work intended to reconcile us to God.