Today is Christmas Eve—in my opinion, the most peaceful day of the year. To quote the classic song: “Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright.” This is the conclusion of the Advent season, the season of hope. Even though it is the shortest season in the liturgical year, it does not lack in excitement or anticipation. Advent is focused on building up hope within ourselves and looking toward the future, the coming of our Savior. Tomorrow is the birth of Jesus, the answer to all the Lord’s promises to HIs people. No wonder this night is so peaceful because at this moment in time all is right with the world.
It is important to acknowledge these moments of peace and give honor to them. They do not happen all that often. Life’s chaos and conflict along with the enemy’s constant waged wars can easily enter into our souls and disrupt our sense of harmony and essentially draw us away from the Lord. The Lord will never let these times of trouble overcome His true love for us. He graces us with instances of silence to call us back to Him. In the first reading, King David experienced one of these crucial moments.
King David was settled in his palace, and the Lord had given him rest from his enemies on every side…The Lord also reveals to you that he will establish a house for you. And when your time comes, and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his Kingdom firm.
—2 Samuel 7
It is during these times that we can be confident that we are the closest to God, and He uses these times to reveal His will for us; promises are made and covenants are created. On this night, the most silent of nights, all of the Lord’s promises are fulfilled.
In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
—Luke 1:79
On this most holy of nights, let us pray for those who are struggling, all who are in a state of darkness, all who cannot hear the voice of their loving Father. Pray that we can all find peace on this silent night and allow our hearts to be opened by the Holy Spirit and to be made ready for everything that is to come in this new year.
Frassati Reflections 
Thank you for the lovely reminder on how this should be a night of peace and not last minute shopping! It is wonderful to contemplate the possibility of the miraculous on this night when the biggest miracle of all occurred, the one that saved the human race. So often we become so caught up in the preparations for Christmas, we forget the reason we are celebrating. God is truly with us and will be forever if we allow Him space in our hearts and lives.
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