In the Still of a Cold, Wintry Night

Lisa G (2)

In the still of a cold, wintry night …

… all of Heaven burst out in profound joy! A Babe is born in a manger: the King of kings, the Lord of lords, whose name is Emmanuel, the Word become flesh.

Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. (Luke 2:14 NAB)

Peace, a gift from God, to those on whom His favor rests; yet sin is the means through which this precious gift is thrown away. But alas, a Babe is born into this world, innocent and pure: the Holy Word become flesh. He has come so that we might be set free.

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6 NAB)

… and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32 NAB)

At this time of year, many families come together to celebrate the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Some families are intact and loving; some are breaking in secret; some are already broken and in sorrow. Yet God in His mercy grants us peace, the all abiding peace of His mercy and grace. He is there among us with His comfort and love, ever guiding us to profound joy in Him.

The other night, I went for a late night walk and looked up at the cold, dark, starry lit sky. The stillness and crispness of the air pulled my thoughts to God. I began to talk out loud to Him there on the path where I was walking. I felt He was truly listening to my heart’s desires and longings. It seemed that in the stillness of that cold, wintry night I heard my Lord and God speak to my heart and whisper His love for me. He spoke to me on my walk and comforted my heart for the answers to the questions that had been gnawing at me for the past year or so. I knew it was Him. There was the peace that surpasses all understanding. I was truly comforted in my walk with Him. The still, small voice of my Lord spoke to me.

And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still, small voice. (1 Kings 19:12 KJV)

Comfort and joy, peace and mercy, all these are always ours; but especially during this time of year, when a Babe came down from heaven to save us from ourselves and our sins, so that we might have a right and good relationship with the Lord God Almighty. How truly awesome is that!

The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. (Psalm 25:14 NIV)

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. (John 15:15 NIV)

So, in the still of a cold, wintry night, while taking a walk, you just might find yourself in an intimate conversation with God, Who will reveal to you the secrets of His love and care for you. A friendship may be established and deepened, bringing you to a place in your soul that gives you the peace you have so longed for.

My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. (Psalm 84:2 NIV)

Dear Lord God, You reign in the heavens yet desire more to reign in our hearts. I pray I always listen for Your still, small voice speaking to me. May I always choose to allow You to live within me, to guide me, to love me, until the day when I see you face to face in the home You have established for me for all eternity. Amen.

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3 thoughts on “In the Still of a Cold, Wintry Night”

  1. Pingback: Pastoral Sharings: "Second Sunday of Advent" | St. John

  2. Dear Lisa-You have put me in the CHRISTmas spirit! I think you will much appreciate a carol in the Kingston Trio’s album THE LAST MONTH OF THE YEAR that has the words “here in the dark of a cold winter night my love at last I’ve found.” Must be available via YouTube. And I recommend many of the other carols on this album, esp one that says “Goodnite my Baby, Goodnite.” My wife too, of 41+ years, is also a big fan of marriage. Merry CHRISTmas to you and yours. Guy McClung, San Antonio

    ps-Boney M’s Mary’s Boy Child is another version of what you have written

  3. Pingback: Fisking Pope Francis Euro Parliament Speech - BigPulpit.com

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