It will happen again tonight the way it has happened for at least the last 53 years.

A family will gather around a tree, and before the presents are handed out and before the first gift is opened, one of the children will open the December, 1960 edition of the Wilson Certified News and read ‘The Christmas Story.’  No, I am not talking about, ‘Twas the Night before Christmas; I’m talking about the Christmas story found in Luke chapter 2.  The gentle voice of a child will remind all those in the room of a baby born to a virgin, of shepherds startled by angels, and of God’s greatest gift to man.

In that quiet moment, all will be reminded that Christmas is not about gifts or decorations.  It’s not about men in red suits or elves sitting on shelves.  It’s not about school plays, parties and candlelight services.  It’s not even about whether we say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays.”  In that blessed, peaceful moment, all will be reminded that Christmas really is about Jesus, and that He’s the reason for this season and every other season as well.

So, yes, tonight, my family will continue a tradition that started with my Grandmother.  A tradition that I cherish, because it forces me to pause and revel in the silence of the night and hear the mighty whisper of God echo through the ages; a whisper that muzzles every argument and mutes every distraction.   This holy hush is louder than the angels who heralded shepherds on the night of Christ’s birth, and like the angels, it directs me to the baby in the manger.  A baby who would grow to be a man who would die for the sins of many.

So my Christmas wish for you this season is that you find your own “silent night” and pause to reflect and be awed by the gift of Jesus.

Merry Christmas!