Silent Night. Holy Knight.
By Karen Friday
“S-i-l-e-n-t night . . . all is calm . . . .” (Calm? No. But very quiet.)
I sipped on herbal tea with honey and fresh lemon. Under the canopy of a bath towel, my face hovered over steam rising up from the sink.
Unable to squeak out a single word. Laryngitis had set up residence in my vocal cords. Late into the silent night, trying every known home remedy. On my umpteen cup of tea, I knew I could not outwit this condition—at its mercy.
My voice went on a short vacation and didn’t ask me for permission to leave. The nerve! Why the uneasiness? I had a job interview the next morning. How could I possibly introduce myself?
It’s no secret. I’m fond of talking. Me and words—best friends forever. “Verbose” should be inscribed on my forehead or near my mouth. Rest assured of my family’s reaction to the period of silence: “Praise God from whom all blessings flow!”
Words, in considerable number, are usually happy to adhere to my wishes whenever I need them. This night (and into the next day) words failed me. A barely audible whisper. I canceled the interview and introduction of myself.
Have you ever fallen silent? Unable to speak? A silent onlooker to happenings around you?
Lyrics to the Christmas Carol, Silent Night, paint the setting of a Holy night in history. The introduction of a child to the world. A Holy night for a Holy Knight.
Knight, the rank given to a man of noble birth, for honorary military duty, or for services to his country. Jesus, a Holy Knight. A man of noble birth who brought a notable silence into the world. The military denotation: to silence (still) enemy fire.
Born a king and spiritual warrior, Christ would silence enemy fire. With His Word(s). In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us . . . . (John 1:1, 14 ESV.)
“A defender, champion, or zealous upholder of a cause or principle.” (Knight-The Free Dictionary Online.)
Jesus. Is. Our. Defender. The champion of righteousness triumphing over evil (the enemy and his artillery). He upholds the cause of holiness through His coming to earth. A timely birth orchestrated for a timely death.
The Holy One raised to life. Nobility inherited from His royal lineage and the God of the universe.
“I, Jesus…am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” (Revelation 22:16 ESV.)
CHRISTmas. Celebrating the coming of a Savior into the world. In momentary glimpses of His Holy presence on this earth, I am rendered silent. Unable to squeak out a single word. In awe of His wonder, His majesty.
One day we shall see Him face to face. In that moment, I will fall on my knees speechless before a matchless king! I will be at the mercy of His Holiness. “Gloria in excelsis Deo” (Latin, “Glory to God in the highest”).
When I’m able to utter a sound, I will glorify His name loud and clear! Wordy me will raise my voice for The One who deserves all praise and honor! The King is coming!
Author bio: Karen Friday is a pastor’s wife and lover of words through writing, blogging, and speaking. She has published a number of articles and devotions in both print and online media. Her writing connects family experiences, Christian ministry, and real life scenarios to the timeless truths of scripture. Karen earned a Communications Degree and has marketing experience in a broad spectrum of business services where she is frequently referred to as “Girl Friday.” Karen and her husband have two grown children. The entire family is fond of the expression, “TGIF: Thank God it’s Friday!” They owe Monday an apology.
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