Christmas: Silence is Broken

The arrival of Jesus is celebrated as one of the most important events in human history, marking the end of a long period known as the 400 years of silence between the Old and New Testaments. During this time, the Jewish community experienced a lack of divine revelation, with no new Scriptures penned and a deep yearning for the promised Messiah. In this post, we will examine the significance of Jesus' birth, what it meant for the Jews who held on to their hope, the angelic announcement to the shepherds, and ultimately, what Christmas truly means to humanity.

The 400 Years of Silence

The intertestamental period, often called the 400 years of silence, is marked by a significant absence of prophetic voices and divine messages. After the prophetic activity of the Old Testament concluded with Malachi, it seemed that God had withdrawn from direct communication with His people.

During this time, the Jewish community faced ongoing oppression, particularly under the Greeks and Romans. For many, this silence was unsettling. They clung to their faith and the prophecies, longing for God's voice—a tangible sign of hope. Historical sources indicate that during this period, revolts became commonplace, with over 100 recorded uprisings against oppressive regimes. Each revolt was driven by the hope of a coming Messiah who would restore Israel.

Prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah had foretold a savior's arrival and the restoration of Israel, but generations went by with no new revelations. This silence fueled anticipation, creating a fertile ground for hopes and expectations about the Messiah, making the coming of Jesus all the more joyous.

The Birth of the Promised Messiah

Finally, came that blessed night in Bethlehem, shattering the silence with the cry of a newborn. The birth of Jesus fulfilled centuries of prophecy—a new beginning that changed everything.

This pivotal moment was not just a historical event; it represented the intersection of heaven and earth. The angels proclaimed great tidings to the shepherds, announcing:

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

Can you imagine the shepherds? Weary from work, yet captivated by the clear, starlit sky, and suddenly, a divine chorus of angels appears singing praises, transforming their routine evening into an extraordinary moment with eternal implications. This announcement redefined hope for an entire nation, providing the promise they had long awaited.

The Reaction of the Shepherds

The shepherds, considered lowly among their people, were given the glorious news first and they rushed to Bethlehem to witness the miracle for themselves. Finding the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, just as the angels had said, surely must have filled their hearts with awe. They were not only witnesses to a historic event but became the first to spread the news of Jesus’ birth, His first disciples, perhaps showing a proud culture that all people are invited to be part of the divine narrative. Their story showed a proud religious sect that the message of Christmas belongs to everyone, emphasizing that hope and love are available to all, regardless of our circumstances.

The Meaning of Christmas: Love

At its core, Christmas embodies love—the love of God shown through the gift of His Son. John 3:16-17 captures this beautifully:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him."

This act of love signifies not only Jesus' birth but the beginning of a new covenant. In sending His Son, God demonstrated an infinite love inviting humanity into a deep, personal relationship with Him.

In a world where many feel unworthy or burdened by failure, the Christmas message reminds us that redemption and hope are always available for everyone. Jesus’ birth marked the end of silence and renewed direct communication between God and humanity.

The Division of Time

The impact of Jesus’ birth is so vast that it has divided history into two distinct eras: BC (Before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini, meaning "in the year of our Lord"). This division serves as a constant reminder of the hope and love that emerged from a humble stable. Each day, as we write the date, we acknowledge, often unknowingly, the long awaited coming of our King.

For Christians, Christmas signifies that moment when God became flesh, providing a new way for humanity to connect with the divine, and brought the way of salvation unto eternal life.

Reflecting on Christmas

The birth of Jesus marked the end of the 400 years of silence and ushered in a new era of divine communication, hope, and love. For Jews longing for the Messiah, it represented the fulfillment of prophecy. For all of humanity, it initiated a new relationship with God based on unconditional love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness, and brought the promise of eternal life with God.

As we celebrate Christmas, let's reflect on the true meaning of this season. It is a time to recognize the love that God has shown us through the gift of His Son. In the spirit of that love, let us extend kindness to others, ensuring that the message of Christmas resonates in our actions throughout the year.

Ultimately, the story of Christmas is not just historical; it is personal. It invites each of us to take part in the love that shattered the silence and transformed our world forever.

May this Christmas fill your heart with renewed hope and love and may you be a beacon of His light and love to others who may yet be in silence.

The Lagniappe

I listened to many, many versions of "O Holy Night" looking for just the right one; a voice clear and full of passion for each word. I found it in Elvis' singing of this beautiful song. To my thinking, Elvis lived a very hard life, weighed down by fame, loss, and an addiction that eventually ended his life. This world called Elvis "King", a title that must have been incredibly hard to bear. God calls him beloved son and offers him life far greater than this world can give.

In "The Faith of Elvis: A Story Only a Brother Can Tell", Billy Stanley, Elvis' step-brother tells of a private Elvis who carried his bible everywhere he went, read it daily and prayed often. I heard that love of Christ in his singing and hope you will too. Enjoy "O Holy Night" performed by Elvis Aaron Presley, beloved son of the one true King.