The Silence of Advent

It is not an empty, barren, futile silence.

It is full, deep, pregnant, peace-filled, comforting, hopeful, strengthening, and beautiful.

It is the silence of the mute Zechariah, speechless and awe-filled before the overshadowing and the miraculous conception of his son…a silence that would explode into praise after nine months.

It is the expectant, trusting silence of Mary, in quiet dialogue with the angel of the annunciation; the silence that was to ponder these things in her heart; the silence of the Pieta and the exuberant quiet of Easter morning.

It is the listening, obedient silence of Joseph who says not a word but does as directed by the heavenly visitors.

It is the chaste, reverent, nuptial silence between Mary and Joseph.

It is the silence of the inarticulate, embryonic John who leaps for joy in an arena free of sin; the silence of the desert where John would find his voice and lend it to the Word made flesh; the silence of wordless martyrdom.

It is the silence of many hours and miles of quiet pilgrimage, by the three kings, across barren, still, arid lands, following the star.

It is the silence over the shepherds on those quiet hills just before they burst into angelic exultation.

It is the silence of the Innocents; the silence of exile in a foreign land; the silence of waiting and expectancy.

It is the infinite silence in the heart of the Father as he contemplates His beloved Son, and us his sons and daughters.

It is the silence in our hearts as we abide in His delight