Sermon On A Distant Voice

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, an American poet once remarked: “Ships that pass in the night, and speak each other in passing, only a signal shown, and a distant voice in the darkness; So on the ocean of life, we pass and speak one another, only a look and a voice, then darkness again and a silence.” 1 Kings 19:11-13 reminds us: And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

A "distant voice" often correlates to a sound heard from a far-off location, which is faint or unclear due to the distance involved. It can describe an emotional or social detachment, where someone speaks in an aloof, reserved, or taciturn manner. The term can also be used metaphorically, such as the idea of hearing a hopeful or comforting message from a higher power during difficult times, or in the context of writing as a narrative technique.

Christmastide represents a time of new birth. Luke 2:10-14 reminds us: And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

A "distant voice" can sometimes be related to a reflective Christmas, particularly through the themes of memory and absence. In a supposed time of joy, it can amplify feelings of missing loved ones, making their voices seem distant and the silence of their absence becomes deafening. The concept is also explored in literature, such as in A Christmas Carol, where a distant-sounding voice is used to represent a connection to the past, suggesting that memories can feel both near and far away during the holiday season.

Christmas is widely considered a time of love and togetherness, centred around family, friends, and community. However, this special experience is not considered universal, as it can also be a difficult time for those who feel lonely, desperate, dealing with grief, or are experiencing financial hardship. Many people hope that Christmas will include a sense of happiness and peace, as it is a core aspect to the holiday's religious origins and a common theme in traditions. The idea of peace at Christmas is often linked to the biblical story of Jesus's birth, referred to as the "Prince of Peace," and can be interpreted as both inner peace with oneself and a desire for peace among people globally.

A distant voice may relate to a lost or weak connection with God. Many existentialist thinkers explore the idea of an indifferent or absent universe. In this view, the "distant voice" might represent a faint, unconfirmable echo of meaning in a universe that is fundamentally silent or one that offers no clear divine guidance. The distance of the voice suggests an unbridgeable chasm between human yearning for meaning and a seemingly unresponsive reality

There maybe no other season that inspires as many fond feelings as Christmas. From the childlike wonder of the season, its glittering lights and special music to the presents that Santa may bring and its pensive wistfulness for adults, remembering times gone by. Christmas means so much to many, in fact,so much so, that it can be hard to actually define its true meaning. However, for some, Christmas can feel like an "Unwanted domination of life" due to the immense pressure it creates around finances, social obligations, and unrealistic expectations, which can become overwhelming and stressful. This is often caused through the commercial and social pressures that can overshadow the holiday's potential for joy and connection, leading to anxiety and mental strain.

There is immense external pressure to have a "perfect" Christmas, maintain distinctive social norms, and avoid disappointing others, even at the personal cost of setting aside individual beliefs or preferences. Job 33:14-17 means that God speaks to people in various ways, even when they don't perceive it, such as in dreams and visions during sleep. His purpose in speaking like this is to warn and instruct people to turn them away from wrongdoing and to protect them from pride. The passage highlights God's persistent communication and man's occasional failure to recognize it. Thus creating a distant voice. It reminds us: “For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, while they slumber on their beds, then he opens the ears of men and terrifies them with warnings, that he may turn man aside from his deed and conceal pride from a man.”