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
Thanks for that encouragement Mark.
You are most welcome Ben. Merry Christmas!
Thanks for this reminder! I watched you lead by example during our years at Banta. You are truly a blessing for so many! Merry Christmas to you and Kim and family.
Thanks for your kind comments JoAnn, I really appreciate it. It was always a true pleasure working with you and the fabulous team at Banta! Merry Christmas to you and Brian and your family as well!
Mark
Thanks for the great words. Glad we share some of the same childhood memories and more importantly, as adults we are guided by the Prince of Peace.
Christmas Blessings
Right on Bruce! I remember many great Christmas Eve Services with our families sitting right across from each other. Often times you and I were even ushering together! Merry Christmas to you and your family as well!
Silent Night is my second favorite Christmas song, right after Christmas Isn’t Christmas Till It Happens In Your Heart. You have touched on one of the most important topics for all of us. Relationships are built or broken on listening. If we could perfect the skill of listening at heart level our world would be a better place. Thank you for writing listening as a quality of life factor.
You’re welcome Jane! Thank you for your most additive comments. Blessings on the great work you are doing in the new year!!