Advent Devotions

Today’s author is Prince of Peace member Debbie Jorgens.

Acts 16:16-34

Often when I read a familiar biblical text, I notice something new. It might be a small detail that I previously overlooked. Sometimes it’s a more significant aspect of the story that I see in a new light. But no matter how many times I read the story of Paul and Silas in prison, I am always struck by the same thing. It’s not that Paul exorcised the spirit out of the slave girl or that doing so ultimately got him (and Silas) thrown into jail. Nor is it that a violent earthquake shook the very foundations of the prison, somehow opening the doors and unfastening everyone’s chains! It’s not even that none of the prisoners chose to escape while they had the chance or that the jailer and his entire household became believers.

As remarkable as these aspects of the story are, what never fails to move me the most is what we learn in verse 25: “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God…” I find their faith incredibly inspiring. Not so much the praying – that, I can understand. Who among us wouldn’t be pouring our hearts out to God if we had been arrested, severely beaten, and thrown into a dark, damp prison cell? But Paul and Silas weren’t only praying; they were singing! Beaten, bloodied, and in pain, they raised their voices in songs of praise to God! Facing the same circumstances, I would surely be praying. But as much as I would like to think that I would be singing songs of praise, I have my doubts.

The beautiful hymn by Robert Lowry, “My Life Flows On in Endless Song” (ELW 763) – especially the third stanza – comes to mind when I think about Paul and Silas in prison:

What though my joys and comforts die? The Lord my Savior liveth.
What though the darkness gather round? Songs in the night he giveth.
No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?

This is why Paul and Silas could sing! They were sustained by their faith in the living Lord, confident that despite their circumstances or whatever lie ahead, all would be well.

Risen Christ, You are Lord of heaven and earth. Strengthen us in our faith so that even in our darkest hours we will lift our voices in thanks and praise to you. Amen.