Utilizing Quiet Contemplation

ARTICLES PODCASTS TRAINING SONG DISCOVERY JOBS MORE Articles / Worship / Best Practices BEST PRACTICES, WORSHIP, WORSHIP SERVICES The Silence Of The Angels: Using Quiet Contemplation In A Christmas Service In a season filled with noise, discover how intentional silence can deepen Christmas worship. This reflection and guide offers simple ways to invite stillness, contemplation, and awe—echoing the hush that followed the angels’ song. By Christopher Watson • December 5, 2025 • 0 comments Starry Bethlehem night sky over quiet shepherd fields — a scene inviting peaceful reflection and contemplation. The young shepherd stared at the bright star in the eastern sky. His heart beat fast. Never had he seen such a thing. To the west, the sliver of moon was dimmed by the brightness of the star. Around him, the sheep gathered close for warmth, unfazed by what shone in the night. But the young shepherd could not take his eyes off the phenomenon. Then, as he stared at the bright star, a single figure appeared in the sky above him. He was dressed in white robes and hung in the air like a bird frozen in flight. A golden light enveloped the figure. The young shepherd gripped his staff tight. He was not afraid — though he thought perhaps he should be. Instead, he was filled with warmth and peace. Behind him, he could hear the other shepherds rise from their bedrolls with exclamations of surprise. “An angel,” one shepherd whispered in awe. The angel smiled at the young shepherd. “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” More angels began to appear — first one, then another, and another — each dressed in white robes enveloped in golden light. They began to sing. Their voices filled the night like nothing he’d heard before: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” It was the most beautiful melody he had ever heard. More and more angels appeared, filling the darkness with angelic light, their song filling the night. In moments the sky was filled with a heavenly host, voices raised in a chorus of praise. The young shepherd sank to his knees as tears ran down his cheeks. The music filled him with overwhelming joy. Then, as suddenly as it began, the chorus ended, and the angels retreated to heaven. The darkness of night returned, and silence fell on the young shepherd. But the bright star remained in the eastern sky. The young shepherd’s heart was filled with joy at what he had just witnessed, as the other shepherds stood in silence and awe. After several minutes, the young shepherd rose and turned to the others: “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” I can’t help but think that the chorus of the heavenly host must have been truly awe-inspiring. And when they retreated to heaven, the silence must have been profound. In our culture, cluttered with constant noise, moments of quiet and contemplation are hard to find — especially during the often‑busy Christmas season. Taking a quiet moment during a Christmas service can bring rest for the soul — a moment just to stop, breathe, pray, and contemplate God’s gift to mankind. Below are a few ways to bring quiet and contemplation into your worship service: Post‑Crescendo Pause After a song such as O Holy Night, Away in a Manger, or What Child Is This, hold the final chord — or move into complete silence — for 45–60 seconds before cueing the next chorus or transitioning. Let the congregation sit with the weight of what they have just sung. A worship leader or narrator might say something like: “Like the shepherds, let us reflect on the birth of our Savior. Be still and listen.” Slow Transition After a Scripture reading or dramatic reading (you are welcome to use the one above), simply pause. Allow some peaceful music — a soft synth pad, slow piano, or gentle guitar arpeggios at around 50–65 BPM — to continue quietly underneath. Give people time to take a breath and let what was read settle in. Resist the urge to rush. The Long Pause While reading a Scripture passage, poem, or other text, speak slowly — and pause 5–10 seconds between paragraphs, verses, or stanzas. A soft musical pad underneath helps maintain unity. Try to keep each pause the same length, so the silence becomes a consistent, intentional part of the rhythm. I am just as guilty as anyone of letting the frenetic, loud, overactive rhythms of our culture dominate my day. But I have found that stopping for a moment of quiet can be deeply significant — especially in the context of the birth of our Savior. Many will be surprised at how sitting in the quiet presence of God can bring peace and hope to their souls. This Christmas, give them the gift of silence. SHARE DETAILS By Christopher Watson December 5, 2025 ADVERTISEMENT WRITTEN BY Christopher Watson Christopher Watson is an author of six books, both fiction and non-fiction. He is also a musician and composer with a B.A. in Music from Azusa Pacific University. For several years Christopher led worship at The Springs Church while attending Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas Texas. He's been involved with worship in a number of churches in California and the Pacific Northwest both as a musician and in production and technology. Now he lives and writes in Washington State with his amazing wife, wonderful daughters, and highly intelligent dog, Ellie Mae.