Silent Night, Holy Night

The following is a reply to a commentary written by Cal Thomas, a syndicated columnist: The portions taken from his column are in italics.

The effort by some cable TV hosts and ministers to force commercial establishments in wishing everyone a “Merry Christmas” might be more objectionable to the one who is the reason for the season than the “Happy Holidays” mantra required by some store managers. I have never understood why so many Christians feel the need to see and hear “Merry Christmas” proclaimed to the at stores by people who might not believe its central message

Mr. Thomas has a point. Christ would never condoned “forcing” anyone to say Merry Christmas vice Happy Holidays. What Christ objects to is the people who might not believe its (being Christmas’) central message. Christians do not feel the need to hear Merry Christmas proclaimed. Christians feel the need, and are commanded, to proclaim Christ.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:19-20

Jesus – the real one, not the Republican conservative-Democrat-liberal one made in the image of today’s fractured political culture – said is kingdom is not of this world. Why, then, are so many who claim to speak for him demanding that this earthly kingdom celebrate him and his kingdom?

Mr. Thomas has taken scripture out of context here. When Jesus speaks of His kingdom not being of this world He is speaking of His divinity. He is Holy, thus we have silent night, Holy night. The silence is not for mankind to be quite and worship undercover. This silence is to “be still and know that He is God”; have reverence for the newborn King who is Creator, Lord and Savior of the world. He is still on the throne and (as stated above) with us to the end of the world. When He was here bodily He said:

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 4:17, thus the name Emmanuel (God with us); the King was present physically. He is still present spiritually.

Mr. Thomas goes on to mention “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” composed by Phillip Brooks and Lewis H. Redner: How about this verse: “How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is giv’n.” Oh, that the shouters would become silent and let the only voice that matters speak for himself.

The issue I have with this is two-fold; first of all the song is not scripture and therefore subject to error. With that said, I’m of the opinion that Mr. Brooks meant that Jesus went to the cross willingly, that our sins could be forgiven; thus How silently. This has nothing to do with the Christians speaking for Christ. Maybe a more fitting song would be “Go Tell It On The Mountain”. Christmas celebrates the fact that Jesus Christ is born. Christians are suppose to tell it everywhere.

We should expect the homage only from those who “believe on his name,” not from the Santa Claus worshippers. …Let the world get drunk at its office parties, Let it consume material things, pile up credit card debt embrace other trappings of this counterfeit “Christmas” road show. I prefer the “original cast.”

This is not what genuine Christians aspire to. We don’t expect unbelievers to pay homage but we desire that they have God's best and come to point where they do pay homage to Him, because we care for them. Our message to the unbeliever is; consider Christ.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7

Christ, being ascended into heaven, has commanded believers to proclaim the good news.

Christ came to save sinners, and we all fit the category.

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 1 Tim. 1:15

Therefore, Christians are His method of keeping the truth of Christmas in the public domain. This is important as eternity depends upon it. Yes, everyone has a choice, but eventually there are consequences for those choices. Warning! To reject Christ at Christmas or any other time is a fatal mistake.

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