And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Luke 2:7

Silent Night, Holy Night is one of my all time favorite Christmas Carols. It brings back many positive memories of one of the most special times of the year for me. I can still picture my Mom singing this beautiful song as we closed our Christmas Eve Worship, celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus.

The lyrics remind me of the silence in which the “wondrous gift was given to us” in the humble setting of rural Bethlehem. Jesus, the ultimate model of servant leadership, arrived in this world teaching us lessons on leadership from day 1.

You can feel the calm as Jesus entered this world in the most humble of ways. There was no fanfare, or pomp and circumstance. He was born in a barn. The humility that He showed at his birth continued to be evident throughout his life and is a great model of servant leadership for us today.

The shear silence and calm of His birth teach us to listen as a first response to most everything.

Why listen?

  • Listen to let others know they matter
    • You’re telling them their thoughts are important to you
  • Listen to humble yourself
    • Arrogance talks – Humility listens
    • Listening elevates others
  • Listen to help others find clarity
    • Provide opportunity for people to hear their own voice
  • Listen to act effectively
    • Don’t waste energy by solving the wrong problem
  • Listen to ask a question
    • The right questions lead to discovery which is a service to those you are working with

This coming week as we connect with the silence of the moment in anticipation of the Christ Child, I challenge you to lead with silence and calm as you focus on your listening. Start with silence and listen to understand, so that others will be encouraged to share with you. Suspend judgment and just listen! It is one of the best gifts that you can provide.

As you reflect in silence this week on the gift of the season, I wish you all peace, joy and a Blessed Christmas with your family and friends!

You all have a special place in my heart!

Blessings,

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom he favors.” Luke 2:13-14