FRIDAY | “Silent Night, Holy Night”
Friday | “Silent Night, Holy Night”
Friday, January 2, 2026
Reading For Friday | Luke 2:1-52
This week we have focused our thoughts and attention on the Christmas favorite “Silent Night.” This hymn gathers the whole story—and all its parts—into a memorable, singable, and thoughtful Christmas carol. Through its verses, the hymn invites us into the stillness surrounding Christ’s birth—a holy quiet that stands in stark contrast to the noise, striving, and weariness of the world.
As author Rich Villodas reminds us in Waiting for Jesus: “We’re all waiting for something in our lives, and it’s common for us to live impulsively and reactively to make it appear. In this season, what would happen if you waited on God, even when it’s uncomfortable? If you sat in his presence, your heart open to his will, ready to receive grace and strength?”
The simplicity of this Christmas song invites us to pause, breathe, and behold. The peace portrayed in the text is one that settles the soul—a Philippians 4 kind of non-anxious presence, a peace that passes our own understanding. It is, in the end, not something we earn but something given to us. The newborn Christ comes as the Prince of Peace, ready and able to calm our fear, heal our divisions, and restore what is broken.
As author Rich Villodas reminds us in Waiting for Jesus: “We’re all waiting for something in our lives, and it’s common for us to live impulsively and reactively to make it appear. In this season, what would happen if you waited on God, even when it’s uncomfortable? If you sat in his presence, your heart open to his will, ready to receive grace and strength?”
The simplicity of this Christmas song invites us to pause, breathe, and behold. The peace portrayed in the text is one that settles the soul—a Philippians 4 kind of non-anxious presence, a peace that passes our own understanding. It is, in the end, not something we earn but something given to us. The newborn Christ comes as the Prince of Peace, ready and able to calm our fear, heal our divisions, and restore what is broken.
Journaling Questions
- Where do you need to enter into this text more fully, wholly? Is there some LIGHT—like “love’s pure light”—that has come to you that you might celebrate? Is GOD drawing you out of darkness in any particular place in your heart? How might the LIGHT of Christ reveal more of GOD, His mercy, truth, or steadfast love for you? Perhaps some more intentional focus on JESUS as God’s light breaking into your darkness with hope would be a good response to this invitation?
- How could you make more space for WONDER—like the shepherds who trembled with awe, the angelic hosts proclaiming majestic praise and worship, and Mary and Joseph, smitten with love and adoration of the newborn King? What might bring your heart and mind to a greater sense of holy amazement?
- “Silent Night” reflects the tenderness of God and His love for the entire world. We are reminded that the child lying in the manger changes everything! He is GOD come near, GOD who entered our world with humility and compassion. How might you slow down, reflect, and allow your heart to be softened to the needs of others around you? Who could you minister to today who needs your kindness, care, wisdom, or joy? Who could you allow to “borrow” from you what Christ has placed in your heart this season?
Prayer Prompt
Write a prayer and express your gratitude for the LIGHT of Christ. Ask GOD to show you where your presence is most needed. Remember, as we sing and celebrate the truths of this great Christmas hymn, we join a chorus that stretches across generations and cultures, echoing the truth of the angelic refrain, “Glory to GOD in the highest!”