The holiday season is often synonymous with noise, rush, and anticipation. Christmas has become a time of shopping, parties, and endless to-do lists, leaving little room for the quiet reflection that the season should bring. I struggle with this every Christmas season.  Several years ago I had the privilege of walking the streets of a city that many consider holy, where Jesus walked, died, and was resurrected. It was a remarkable experience but for me, spiritual would not be the word I’d use to describe it. Despite the history of this city, the busyness around me was at times too much. Thousands of people clamoured to touch sites deemed sacred, and, while I respect that, I found myself struggling to feel a connection. The anticipation I’d brought with me faded, and at times I just wanted to escape.  It wasn’t until I left the city, driving through the quiet hillsides of Galilee, that I found what I’d been looking for. In those places, as evening set in, I felt the stillness I had craved. There, I could hear the sounds of nature and felt free to think, pray, and reflect. In the quiet moments, I felt a connection to God—not because of the historical proximity to places where Jesus walked, but because I finally made space to listen.  This is one of the great ironies of Christmas. The time meant to celebrate the arrival of the Prince of Peace is often filled with anything but peace. And yet, it is in the stillness of our hearts that we truly encounter the wonder of His birth. When we make space for God in our lives—amid the rushing, decorations, and distractions—we begin to understand the depth of the gift of Jesus in a way our busyness can’t reveal.  Scripture tells us, ““In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength,” (Isaiah 30:15). The strength we seek, especially during busy times, often comes not from more effort but from our quiet moments with God. In those moments, we can hear His voice and find the peace He offers.  During the first Christmas, the setting was humble and still. The Savior came in the quiet of the night, with only a few shepherds to witness His arrival. God chose silence as the backdrop for the most significant event in history. Sometimes, it is in the quietest moments that we hear God’s voice most clearly.  As you reflect on the Christmas season, I encourage you to intentionally create moments of stillness. Whether it’s stepping away from the holiday rush, sitting in quiet prayer, or simply finding time to pause and reflect, don’t let the noise drown out the peace God offers. Let this Christmas be a time when, like I experienced in Galilee, you find solace and clarity away from the chaos. In these moments of stillness, we are most open to receiving God’s gift and hearing His voice.