The original title of the Christmas carol “In dulci jubilo” (LSB 386, “Now Sing We, Now Rejoice”) was interpreted by the famous French organist and composer Marcel Dupre as “In Quiet Joy.”
Another familiar hymn tells of the birth of the Savior in the words “How silently the wondrous gift is given!” (LSB 361:3). Though there were moments of rage and loud opposition through His earthly ministry, many of our Lord’s activities happened in the quiet and stillness of His presence. Indeed, even as He accomplished His goal, He entered Jerusalem in quiet humility, suffered obediently, closed His eyes and breathed His last in death, and finally was laid in the stone-cold silence of a tomb.
There are times for loud praise and rejoicing, but this night let us gather in quiet joy contemplating the mystery that, in this little babe in the little town of Bethlehem of Judea, fulfilled God’s ancient promise of redemption and peace for all who would be drawn in the silence of the Spirit of God through His Word and blessed Sacraments.