Peace in the Classroom: Be Still

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

-Psalm 46:10

I attended a college graduation ceremony today; I love the excitement in such an event! The formal processional, names called, futures imagined. It is a milestone moment celebrating the work and accomplishments of the past while at the same time encouraging movement forward with momentum. For many, this is a life-changing moment delivering a sense of urgency to push into the next phase of life and career to accomplish all that was worked for over the past few years.

By contrast, the most world-changing moment in history arrived not in urgency, but in stillness. God did not burst onto the scene with fanfare. Instead, the Messiah came quietly, in a stable, in the night, wrapped in swaddling clothes. Angels sang, but most of the world slept. Those who noticed had to pause. Consider the shepherds in the field: they stopped their work to witness God’s love made flesh. Mary pondered quietly in her heart. In those still moments, the Holy Immanuel broke into the ordinary, changing the world and changing lives simply with His presence.

As we enjoy our weekend, we’re given a small gift of pause. A chance to step out of the urgency entrenched in our weeks and into something quieter. Slowing down may not come naturally to you, but Scripture gives you a very clear directive: “Be still, and know that I am God.”

The work of teachers constantly points us toward the future, to the next unit, to the next year, to the next group of students crossing a stage. We live in anticipation, much like those graduates. But Advent invites us to pause long enough to recognize that God is present here, now, in our homes, in our classrooms, our conversations, and in quiet acts of care. One of my favorite Christmas hymns, written by Jaroslav Vajda, beautifully captures God’s presence and the quiet stillness of the incarnation in these verses:

Peace came to earth at last that chosen night

When angels clove the sky with song and light

And God embodied love and sheathed his might –

Who could but gasp: Immanuel! Who could but sing: Immanuel!

And who could be the same for having held

The infant in their arms and later felt

The wounded hands and side, all doubts dispelled

Who could but sigh: Immanuel! Who could but shout: Immanuel!

How else could I have known you, O my God!

How else could I have loved you, O my God!

How else could I embrace you, O my God!

Who could but pray: Immanuel! Who could but praise: Immanuel!

This weekend, may we pause long enough to gasp, to sigh, to pray, and to praise. And may we discover that we are not the same for having been still in the presence of God.

Be Still

Where might you allow yourself to be fully present before rushing to the next thing?

Where can you slow down enough to notice God at work?

Prayer

God of Stillness, Thank You for coming to us in quiet, in flesh, and in love. Help us to slow down and notice Your presence in the ordinary moments of our lives as well in the magnificent. Open our hearts to awe, guide our steps with Your grace, and remind us that even in stillness, You are at work. Amen.