Saturday, December 9, 2006
“Silent night, Holy night…”
Saturday is the Sabbath day observed by Jews and others – a day to take time out from work and stress and “be still to know God.” In many respects, the carol “Silent Night” captures the feel of the Sabbath...to be quiet and awestruck in the presence of God’s love and grace. It is indeed a holy time when we are able to step back from our busy-ness to just look for God.
HOW DO WE STAY TOO BUSY TO LOOK FOR GOD’S WORKS? Dr. John Clifford
Sabbath tradition tells us that we are to refrain from “work” on that day and to keep from imposing labor on others; and that in the time set aside, we then study the scriptures and share our insights with one another as we have fellowship with one another.
In Christian America, we look at Sunday as the Sabbath, but fail to keep it with any sense of focus, making it instead a day of shopping and being entertained by others. So on this Saturday, consider making a Sabbath “time out” for yourself, and listening for God’s word to you and your world.
HOW CAN WE MAKE ROOM FOR SILENCE IN OUR LIVES?
Prayer: Lord God, slow us down, at least enough to listen to you for a moment. Give us the gift of silence and of calm, that we may learn to be holy and become true disciples of Jesus Christ, the Savior. Amen.