Many in my generation remember the powerful words of the Simon and Garfunkel song, “The Sound of Silence”. The song, written and performed in an era of civil and racial unrest, the Vietnam war, and growing protests, reflects the different ways silence may bless or harm us. The early verses of the song note the relative peacefulness of the dark and silent night. As the lyrics progress, the singer notes that in troubling times, people did not want say what was true, for that would “disturb the sound of silence”. In the last verse, we hear that “silence like a cancer grows,”, and that the words of the prophets are written on “subway walls and tenement halls,” but only whispered in the sounds of silence. Silence can be a sacred and generative blessing, but it can also be an indication of our cooperation with unholy forces.
“When are we to be silent?” “When are we to speak?” These questions come to us powerfully as we in the Christian community enter the season of Advent. We read in the Gospel of Luke the story of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. When he doubted the message from the angel Gabriel that he, at his late age, would become a father of a prophet, this priest discovered himself unable to speak. It was only when he was asked what name should be given this child, and he answered, “His name is John,” that he was finally able find and use his words. Zechariah stands as an enduring witness that one of the sacred uses of silence is to prepare us to speak truth with clarity and courage.
Let’s talk about this in the worship service on Sunday. The sermon is titled, “Advent Silence: Waiting for Our Sacred Voice to Emerge.” It arises from Luke 1: 8-20; 59-64, which will be read by Dian Ludlow. The Chancel Choir, accompanied by Lois Leong and directed by Gerry Sousa, will lead us musically. Dana and Nate Thomas and their family will light the Advent Candle. We’ll also celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion. Join us as we sing, pray and have a time for children.
We look forward to connecting with you this first Sunday of Advent. Join us at 10:30 in the sanctuary, or visit www.smumc.church, and click on the Live Stream banner.