My favorite place to go shopping during the build-up to Christmas is Old Town, located in Albuquerque, NM. All the shops are free-standing and sitting in the beautiful square. I never feel rushed or pushed against the sea of people, anxious to get to the perfect present before it is gone from the shelf. The holiness of the season seems a distant memory as frantic shoppers make their way through the mall for different reasons. Some people want to shop, others wish to have a perfect picture with Santa Claus, while others seek out gifts to buy.

     In Scripture, we find a different kind of chaos, but still chaos, as many rush here and there to finish work, find ingredients for a great meal, or visit friends and relatives. Much like today, everyone rushed everywhere, hoping to find closure in their endeavors. Except for tall buildings, the scene could play out in many situations. Disorder appeared to be the law of the day, and a lack of concern for our brothers and sisters fell by the wayside.

     When we think that things could not be more chaotic, Jesus steps in. And those who notice find the Christ-child lying in a manger. For a moment, pandemonium gives way to absolute peace as the baby in its unique crèche lies in his mother’s arms. The event screams for everyone to stop the chaos without saying a single word.

     Instantly, we discover the power of the baby, who is so majestic that he calms the anxious-ridden community to stop and enjoy the beauty of the quiet. Our current societal struggles do not differ from what the ancients experienced. We must look for silence in the anxiety-filled stores and malls that look for fulfillment in the wrong places. During this season of Advent, I pray that we may take the time to find pockets of silence to be still and encounter the presence of the living God.