“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”1
We have a friend whose young daughter tends to be a perfectionist and, as a piano student, she obsesses about getting every note right. She is so determined to get her exercises perfect she will practice over and over, groaning every time she hits a wrong note—until she can play perfectly, “Twinkle, twinkle little star!”
On one occasion her piano teacher said to her, “Jennie, you get every note correct every time, but stop … and listen to the music!”
Sound familiar? We can, like many of the religious Pharisees of Christ’s day, do everything right—outwardly—but inwardly our lives are empty because we don’t take time to listen to the music—the music of life.
As we are in the Christmas season let us—because of the rush and bustle of this now highly commercialized holy-day season—make sure we be still long enough to listen to the music, the Christmas music. I mean, hear the real message and meaning of the Christmas season.
“For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end….”2
Suggested prayer: “Dear God, ‘amid the rush and bustle, amid the toil and strife, please help me to be calm and peaceful throughout my daily life.’ And especially at this Christmas season please help me to be still long enough to listen to the real music of the Christmas season—its message for which I am truly thankful. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”
1. Psalm 46:10 (NIV).
2. Isaiah 9:6-7 (NKJV).
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