Keeping Silence

Third Monday of Advent

Originally posted Thursday, February 2, 2012

Yesterday in church we sang the carol “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence,” and my eyes and ears were drawn once more to the words “keep silence.” 

I used to think the phrase was “keep silent” until I was working on a script with an actor/writer friend who used the words “keep silence” rather than “keep silent.” I didn’t argue with him because he’s the type of person who would know, but mostly because I liked the sound of that better – and the perceived meaning too. 

“Keep silent” has a negative edge to it, like “be quiet,” “hush” or even “shut up.” It sounds demanding, commanding – like what an irritated parent might say to a bothersome child. 

On the other hand, “keep silence” has a feel of responsibility and purpose, like being asked to do something important – a sacred trust to take silence and hold it, protect it. 

And the “silence” to be kept? Perhaps it is a reverent pause, a moment of meditation, a time of quiet communion with God. 

That certainly seems to be the point of the carol, which points to a posture of reverence: 
Let all mortal flesh keep silence, 
and with fear and trembling stand;

to put aside our everyday distractions and concerns: 
ponder nothing earthly-minded, 
for with blessing in his hand

and consider something far more significant: 
Christ our God to earth descendeth, 
our full homage to demand. 

The phrase “keep silence” also has an air of expectation about it, as if in that time of silence we may experience something mysterious, unique, unexpected, even miraculous. 

Christmas is a time of hustle and bustle to be sure. Much of the noise is joyful and wonderful – parties with friends, Christmas pageants, kitchen clatter as we prepare the annual feast – but we shouldn’t forget to seek silence as well. And not just seek it, but hold it and keep it for a while.