The Christmas story starts with silence. 

An awkward silence. 

Before the cattle are lowing and the baby awakes, there is silence. 

A very long silence.

From Malachi to Matthew God isn’t speaking (or at least, people weren’t listening!). Four hundred years without His voice being clearly heard.

When great orators speak they will create a dramatic breathing-space before they have something significant to say.

A pregnant pause.

In the pause, people lean forward. They shuffle toward the edge of their seats, listening carefully for what comes next.

Out of the silence God speaks.

Out of the silence the angels sing.

Out of the silence a new story is told.

Out of the silence the Word is given.

And the world leans-in to hear His voice.