Silent Night
by Dörthe Brandt
Berlin, Germany
Scripture Reading:
Luke 1:46-55
Psalm 4
“Silent Night! Holy Night! All is calm, all is bright . . . “
This is the beginning of one of the most popular Christmas songs in Germany and a song sung all over the world. Yes, all is bright when you do your Christmas shopping in the city or drive by houses all decorated with Christmas lights, but is it calm? Stress and family conflicts often increase during the holiday season. The world screams at us with demands and bad news in bright and bold letters.
The situation was not much easier in the year 1818, when "Stille Nacht" was first performed on Christmas Eve at St. Nicholas parish church in the village of Oberndorf in present-day Austria.
After wars against Napoleon, many people in the area were suffering from hunger and living in poverty. Families were torn apart by new borders. Floods and crop failures made the situation even more difficult. On top of it all, the organ at the church in Oberndorf didn’t work anymore.
The assistant priest of the village, 26-year-old Joseph Franz Mohr, had written a poem two years before: ”Silent Night! Holy Night!“ Despite the challenging circumstances, he wanted to have an encouraging Christmas Eve service for his parish and preach a message of hope. So he brought the words of the poem to his friend, the church organist Felix Gruber, and asked him to compose a melody and guitar accompaniment for that night's mass. A few hours after Gruber finished his composition, he and Mohr stood before the altar of the St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf to perform their own work.
Silent Night Chapel in Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria. The original St. Nicholas parish church was damaged beyond repair by flooding in the 1890s.
Franz Mohr never experienced the fame of his song, but it was later translated into 300 languages. It was a message of peace when soldiers of different nations sung it together in 1914 on a battlefield while they took a break from fighting on Christmas Eve. Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill sang it together in front of the White House. In 2011, it was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Silent Night – Can you hear God’s voice?
As a child, I stood in a village much like Oberndorf during Christmas Eve with my family and thousands of stars above me. The snow-covered landscape and mountains swallowed most sounds and it was a peaceful and silent night. Since that time my life has gained speed and filled up with many responsibilities and activities. There are not so many silent moments anymore.
God had to teach me to seek silent and intimate moments with Him. Luke 5:16 is only one example where Jesus withdrew from the crowds to spend time with His father in prayer. I had to learn to follow Jesus‘ example, to make time for God and to search for a silent place to stay connected with Him.
Often I go out into nature to pray, but I know people who find their silent place in a closet of their bedroom. Sometimes it is hard for me to stop my racing thoughts and to calm my mind from circling around problems. The demands of daily life can scream very loudly. It takes a conscious decision to seek silence and time with God despite our busy lives. I must ask myself: Do I think I know where I am going or do I still ask for God’s guidance? Do my activities substitute for time with God?
Silence is much more than the absence of loud noises. It is a peace of mind that we can find only in connection with God. And in this time of intimate connection, God wants to speak to us through His word, prayer, His spirit, or fellow disciples, if we are silent and listen.
Does God’s love touch your heart?
“From Heaven’s golden heights, Mercy’s abundance was made visible to us:
Jesus in human form . . . “
”Where on this day all power of fatherly love poured forth; And like a brother lovingly embraced
Jesus the peoples of the world . . . ”
”When the Lord frees from wrath; Since the beginning of ancient times
A salvation promised for the whole world . . . ”
”Jesus the savior is near . . . ”
These verses of the song remind me of God’s amazing love and how it was manifested in Jesus‘ birth. What an incredible act of love, that God became flesh! (John 1:14) He wanted to be close to you! When darkness is all around me or I’m overwhelmed by my circumstances, do I still remember that God came near and wants to bring hope? Can I rejoice like Mary, that He is my savior?
My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.
Luke 1:46-48
I started a “Grateful Journal“ to make God’s abundant love for me visible and to be more sensitive to His blessings. Often it is the little things I’m grateful for—a walk in the woods, a friendly comment, a good meal or a scripture that really speaks to my heart.
The song ”Silent Night“ was written as a message of hope for people in dark times. The same message of God’s love is still what we and people around us need to hear today.
Questions for Reflection:
- When and where can you seek a silent moment with God today?
- Where did you experience God’s love today?
Today I will:
Spend some time reflecting on Jesus‘ birth as I consider the lyrics of “Silent Night.“
SILENT NIGHT (translation of German lyrics)
Gruber/Mohr
Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright,
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child.
Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, O how he laughs
Love from your divine mouth,
Then it hits us – the hour of salvation.
Jesus at your birth!
Jesus at your birth!
Silent night! Holy night!
Which brought salvation to the world,
From Heaven’s golden heights
Mercy’s abundance was made visible to us:
Jesus in human form,
Jesus in human form.
Silent night! Holy night!
Where on this day all power
of fatherly love poured forth
And like a brother lovingly embraced
Jesus the peoples of the world,
Jesus the peoples of the world.
Silent night! Holy night!
Already long ago planned for us,
When the Lord frees from wrath
Since the beginning of ancient times
A salvation promised for the whole world.
A salvation promised for the whole world.
Silent night! Holy night!
To shepherds it was first made known
By the angel Alleluia;
Sounding forth loudly far and near:
Jesus the Savior is here!
Jesus the Savior is here!
Here are some YouTube links to versions of “Silent Night”
German: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGA6djLsDgs
English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19L_Gnul8Rc
About the Author:
Dörthe Brandt is from Berlin, Germany. Her spiritual journey began when she spent a year as a high school exchange student in California and stayed with a Bible believing family. Forty years later, she and her husband live as “empty nesters” in Berlin. Their two adult children and son-in-law live nearby. God has blessed and molded her through adventurous years spent in San Francisco, Boston, Munich, and Berlin. She is thankful for Jesus’ message of unconditional love, which the world so desperately needs. She is inspired by God’s amazing creation, as she works as an illustrator and graphic designer and also organizes events for the congregation.
60 Comments
Dec 14, 2022, 5:50:49 AM
Michelle Hillyer - Thanks so much Doerthe. I had no idea about the history of Silent Night. Very interesting…. And a great message to slow down , be silent and hear / feel Gods love. Merry Christmas xx
Dec 9, 2022, 2:17:13 AM
Doerthe Brandt - Thank you for all the comments. It is moving to see replies from all over the world. I do not know how to reply to each one of you, but I am very thankful to realize once again that we are a worldwide sisterhood connected through our great God. Have a peaceful Christmas time!
Dec 8, 2022, 5:48:26 AM
Christina Overstreet - Herzlichen Dank liebe Dörthe😍
Dec 6, 2022, 1:14:18 PM
Wendy Hislop - Thanks for your sharing, it was inspiring. Me and my husband David are in ICOC in Sydney. And went to a remembrance service for David’s dad last night having read your devotional in the morning. The congregation sang this same song. And I met Sam and Fiona whom lost their son in July. He fell to his death in a shopping centre at 22yrs old. I invited them to church, please pray for them, she was distressed. Love in Christ Wendy Hislop
Dec 6, 2022, 8:38:35 AM
Nicole McMullin - Thank you
Dec 6, 2022, 5:23:57 AM
Rosa Alejandro - Such a deep and moving devotional and educational to which I live bc I’m a teacher :) Thank you for this great insight sister.
Dec 5, 2022, 12:57:34 PM
Elizabeth L TAPICERIA - Thanks
Dec 5, 2022, 3:08:18 AM
Gyongyi Balogh - Thanks! Now can I get the rest of these devotionals?
Dec 4, 2022, 4:53:26 PM
Catherine Ijeh - Thanks for sharing this wonderfull story on 'Silent Night'. It causes us to hear God's gentle whisper and it is the only way we can find peace by connecting to God.
Dec 4, 2022, 4:51:53 PM
Michelle - Thanks
Dec 4, 2022, 12:48:17 AM
Biola Ojo, Lagos Nigeria - Grateful for this devotional. A reminder of God's constant and consistent love and His desire to be close to me. I've learnt that in every journey of my life, God is close to me. I should not allow the chaos, pressures and suffering of life douse this fact. I need to train my mind to be silent enough to hear God's comforting words and feel His presence to enjoy His peace..... Silent night, all is bright and all is calm.
Dec 3, 2022, 11:20:41 PM
Olaoluwa Oni - Silence is a place for good ears to listen to Christ daily as I am able to connect with my Maker 🙏
Dec 3, 2022, 8:29:18 PM
Ida - Silent night causes us to hear God's gentle whisper and his guidance for our life. Thank You Doerthe.
Dec 3, 2022, 8:52:32 AM
Mayra P Santana - Thank you for getting us closer to our Heavenly Father!
Dec 3, 2022, 1:31:10 AM
Vivian Karyah - Thank you so much for a reminder to be quite and calm in the mist of all the rush and busyness of life. I'm greatly inspired.
Dec 3, 2022, 12:36:35 AM
Nancy - Thank for such a beautiful devotional And reminder of how we can find the peace by connecting with God. Also the beauty of God wanting to be near us by sending Jesus to us.
Dec 3, 2022, 12:16:48 AM
Josephine Funmilayo Onofua - Thank you for this. It is an amazing reminder of what God expects of me. May God continue to keep us attached to Him.
Dec 3, 2022, 12:03:41 AM
Yamileth - Thank you very much for sharing such a beautiful story about silent night♥️.
Dec 2, 2022, 10:00:49 PM
Joycelyn Kwek - How often I get caught up in a demanding and loud world. If I want to hear God speaking to me, I need to quiet my mind. Thank you for your sharing 🙏
Dec 2, 2022, 5:34:42 PM
David Gotts - Thank You, Doerthe for this devotional. As you lead a women's group I was not sure these devotionals would be appropriate for men, but, as the link was sent by another disciple on our Church's Whatsapp group, I thought I would give it a go. The devotional was awesome! I did not know the history of the song and thus the context. Your research into the song gave it much more meaning to me - that God could mean it as an encouragement in tough times and not just as a beautiful picture of the birth of the Lord Jesus. Also, as a reminder to find 'silent' times, meaning quiet times, with God and not let the World get in the way, something that happens all too frequently with me.
Dec 2, 2022, 4:48:38 PM
Bukola Muritala - Thanks Dorthe Brandt, for sharing, the e historical thought behind the songs. For me is such a huge song written by the priest to bring about hope to people around him. Silent night indeed.
Dec 2, 2022, 3:11:37 PM
Omobola Abolarinwa - Silence is much more than the absence of loud noises. It is a peace of mind that we can find only in connection with God. And in this time of intimate connection, God wants to speak to us through His word, prayer, His spirit, or fellow disciples, if we are silent and listen. I have not been listening lately. Thank you for the call to be silent and hear him talk to me.
Dec 2, 2022, 12:14:26 PM
Carmen Piedrasanta - Thank you for taking the time and putting this together. I really enjoyed reading the first devotional!
Dec 2, 2022, 9:00:59 AM
Erlina oey - Thankyou so much for your writing devotional
Dec 2, 2022, 8:19:57 AM
Rhodah Nyamweya - Great stuff
Dec 2, 2022, 7:47:58 AM
EUNICE MBUVA - Thank you for the history behind the song , silent night. am inspired to keep seeking silent moments with God.
Dec 2, 2022, 6:03:43 AM
Debra Kinzer - Thank you for your thoughtful devotional and history into the song. I especially loved reflecting on Psalm 4 as I read this.
Dec 2, 2022, 4:24:33 AM
Marie Knuckles - Thank you for sharing the history behind the song "Silent Night". I am grateful. I thank God for His love, His grace, His mercy, His peace, His hope, and His wonderful blessings. Happy Holidays
Dec 2, 2022, 1:31:42 AM
Fritzie Asuncion - awesome
Dec 1, 2022, 11:27:21 PM
Tammie Licari - Looking forward to the devotional during the holiday season.
Dec 1, 2022, 10:06:25 PM
Clarita Estioco - Thank you so much, Doerthe, for your heart in sharing this wonderful story on Silent Night. Truly, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is enough for us. I am so blessed and very grateful for His unconditional love. Always praying to share the love to others, as well... Thanks again dear sister. Take care always and God bless! 🙏💖
Dec 1, 2022, 7:53:53 PM
Maria Mendoza - Thank you Doerthe for sharing and reminding us to remember to take time away from the chaos and craziness of life to spend a quiet time with God and listen. It's definitely challenging in this day and time. It was also amazing learning about the history of the song, Silent Night.
Dec 1, 2022, 7:01:18 PM
Fornessa Randal - I have had a very challenging week with personal sickness and death in the family. Yet, I have felt God's love for me through all of the many people who have sent me messages or called. I am reminded of gratitude it's a daily decision and how important it is to allow others to refresh us.
Dec 1, 2022, 6:32:16 PM
Carmen Hamilton - Thank you so much for this gentle reminder to step away from the busyness and seek special time with our God! These lyrics are so powerful and I look forward to reflecting on them, as you suggested!
Dec 1, 2022, 6:00:03 PM
Hannah - Thank you for this♥️
Dec 1, 2022, 4:33:14 PM
Marie McMahan - It is great to hear the history from your own country of origin. I was not even aware of the other lyrics of this song. So deep. I also loved your definition of silence...a great thought to ponder throughout this season. Thank you.
Dec 1, 2022, 4:12:59 PM
Natalie Docker - Recently I had been sharing with someone about what I used to think peace was-before I became a Christian. Needless to say, my thoughts then were not from knowledge. So thankful today to be reminded where that true peace comes from and reflect on God's word and the words and music from the song as background. Thank you!
Dec 1, 2022, 2:38:23 PM
Virginia Bahula - This really touched my heart and pointed me to the One who gives true peace and mercy during this busy time of the year. Thank you!
Dec 1, 2022, 2:15:58 PM
'Folake - Thank you Doerthe, amazingly I decided to start being silent in my mind. I said I was going to focus on what I could control and not let the noise of what I couldn't control drown me. With your message, I am looking to move forward to be silent and grateful for those things I am able to change and silent and seeking Gods face for those I cannot change. Thank you!
Dec 1, 2022, 1:59:07 PM
Gyongyi Balogh - Danke schon Doerthe ! Much appretiated! I thought I knew the words of Stille Nacht both in German and English but some verdes are new to me. It is good to reflect on them and on God’s love!
Dec 1, 2022, 1:58:45 PM
Mei Castro - I love the background story of the song and how it was light to guide in dark times. Thank you for sharing.
Dec 1, 2022, 12:20:37 PM
Nancy Lamb - Enjoyed hearing and picturing the history to this beautiful carol. Thanks Doerthe 😌
Dec 1, 2022, 11:22:08 AM
Erin St. Jean - Dörthe, this is such a helpful message. I’m one of those Moms who gets swept up in the Christmas chaos and forgets to be still with my creator. I am grateful for this important reminder - and practical ideas for how to remain focused on what is most important. Thanks! From Vancouver, BC, Canada
Dec 1, 2022, 10:27:41 AM
nancy tandela - What a beautiful background story of this beautiful Christmas song! How God wants us to seek silence so His deep love can touch our soul who needs His love more than any material in this world of noise and busyness! Thank you
Dec 1, 2022, 8:05:28 AM
irene oburu - I have learnt that, I need to be in a silent place to seek God
Dec 1, 2022, 8:03:31 AM
irene oburu - Very powerful message. Thanks for sharing
Dec 1, 2022, 6:56:40 AM
Cherry Ramos - Thank you Doerthe for this..it is good to start this busy month with a silence with God. Godbless..
Dec 1, 2022, 6:38:47 AM
Melissa - Thank you. I love how God (through your devotional) prompted you to describe silence, not merely as an absence of sound, but more so a silence of the heart and mind - peace. As well, thank you for the encouragement: God gives us his heart of vulnerability and intimacy through his son Jesus. As the morning sun sends word of God’s love, every day the Son is our inspiration to be thankful and inspired to love him and his family deeply. I am also excited to start my own grateful journal. Thank you again. With love, your sister in Boise Idaho.
Dec 1, 2022, 6:08:43 AM
Joy Canuel - A great tool for spiritual growth. Knowing more history of the song/ Thank you so much Dorothe
Nov 30, 2022, 10:14:52 PM
Sangeeta - So good to know the history of this song!
Nov 30, 2022, 10:08:34 PM
Ann Carey - Thanks Dorthe for your inspirational devo. Some great questions in there and a great reminder to stay intimately connected to God over the upcoming Christmas season. Loved the insightful background on the Silent Night carol. Merry Christmas to you from us here in Auckland, New Zealand!
Nov 30, 2022, 9:44:49 PM
chiko - Thank you, reminds me to calm and seek God, and contemplate His amazing love for me. So grateful.
Nov 30, 2022, 8:49:24 PM
Donna Bracken - Thank you Doerthe for this focus for the busy holiday season. I want the calm that can only come from connecting with God
Nov 30, 2022, 7:38:08 PM
Cecilia Canturias - Hi, greetings from ICOC Cebu, Philippines! Thank you for this devoted quiet time materials for us busy women during Christmas time. It will surely help me and guide me in my daily walk with God for this Christmas season. I'm so happy
Nov 30, 2022, 7:35:37 PM
Anna Maria Tauro - I am great full for the lovely devotions thank you so much.
Nov 30, 2022, 7:25:38 PM
Lena - Thank you so much.
Nov 30, 2022, 6:33:02 PM
E Ling Cheah - Danka schoen schwester! Greetings from Malaysia. Now I can appreciate the song in its context and no longer just a number in a festive playlist.
Nov 30, 2022, 6:14:05 PM
Roberta Balsom - Thank you so much for this lovely and timely devotional. I started calming myself and truly appreciating all the gifts that God has blessed me with today. Thank you for reminding me to slow down and daily appreciate our Father and Jesus, the biggest gift of all.
Nov 30, 2022, 6:02:52 PM
Let Tesoro - I would like to request a pdf copy on this series. I'm from ICOC Philippines. Thank you.
Nov 30, 2022, 5:02:25 PM
Kalasita Sandifer - I loved this devotional very much. Great background about the history of the song as well. It definitely gave me a better perspective of the much loved Christmas carol. Thank you.