Why Would a Witch Sing, "Silent Night, Holy Night"

The other day, I had Christmas music playing in the background while I was doing some work on my computer; and if you know the Youtube platform, then you know it will create a playlist based on your listening preferences.

This particular mix included traditional songs by a variety of artists, like Andy Williams, Casting Crowns and Alabama (though I don't listen to country music so I'm not sure how that got on there), then the popular song "Silent Night, Holy Night" came on, which of course I knew. But I wasn't expecting it to be performed by Stevie Nicks, former lead singer of Fleetwood Mac.

Now, growing up, it was a common belief that Stevie Nicks was a self-proclaimed witch. So the thought came to me; why would a witch sing a song that explicitly celebrates the birth of Jesus; given the rumour (see what I did there) that she had ventured to the dark side.

The truth is, I can't find any confirmation that Nicks was actually a witch; but did play the role of one in a movie.

Okay fair enough.

But as I write this, I'm sitting in my favourite cafe and looking across the street at a store called The Coven; and as the name suggests, it celebrates witchcraft, crystals, casting spells, tarot & palm readings etc.

But while you might draw the conclusion that a place like this would not be pro-Christmas, this store has a Christmas tree in the front window. I wouldn't recommend the ornaments that are hanging there, but they have a tree nonetheless.

So what gives?

Why would a "witch" or a store that promotes witchcraft celebrate Christmas in any real sense, either by decorations or by singing one of the most popular seasonal songs of all time, especially one that emphasizes the birth of the Saviour of the world, via a virgin birth no less.

I can't speak for Stevie Nicks, or the store owner, but here are some possibilities...

1) Hedging their bet; some believe you have to do more good than bad to get into heaven; maybe for them, dabbling in Christmas music and decorations might balance the scales. I don't hold to this line of thinking, but it is a popular idea.

2) Jumping on the commercial Christmas train: perhaps the music and decorations are just ways of making a buck, when people are primed to spend money more than any other time of the year. There is a long list of artists who have put out a Christmas album that's for sure, but honestly, I'm not sure there's a lot of money to be made, especially on digital platforms these days. I'm also not sure how many skull and crossbones decorations are going to improve the bottom line.

Another Option

I think another motivation is at play here, and it's this. I believe each one of us, knows, deep, deep down, in the quiet places of our heart and soul, that God exists, and that God revealed Himself in the form of a baby 2000 years ago. In fact, I would say further, that each of us is created in the image of God. Meaning, in part at least, that we have moral, creative, and relational capacities that reflect God, even if only in part.

The apostle Paul says, "Even Gentiles, who do not have God's written law, show that they know His law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God's law is written on their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them, or tell them they are doing right." (Romans 2:14-15)

To put it another way, even if you don't believe the Bible or profess to be a Christian, you still know that God is real, and demonstrate it by discerning right from wrong.

This to me explains why you most likely feel something meaningful at Christmas, even if you're not a Christian. Deep down, you sense that there is something to this time of year, that goes way beyond turkey, lights and Rudolph.

Even if you loudly claim, you're an atheist, can I just say with all the love and grace I have...I don't really believe you. I just believe you are trying real hard to keep God out of your life.

But Christmas is about God getting close to us. God showed up in the form of a baby, to live among us, model a perfect life, before laying it down for us.

Hey, I know all about fighting this. There was a time I raised my fist at God, determined to live my life without Him., and maybe you're doing the same thing.

But no matter what, I don't think you can ever escape what you know, deep down; God exists, and wants to have a personal relationship with you. That's the point of Christmas.

That's why in my book "Vantage Point" I ask some "What if" questions for you to consider.

What if God exists?

What if God created you?

What if God knows who you are?

What if God has specific things for you to do?

You may want to avoid these questions, but I encourage you to give them your attention. They are, in my opinion, the most important questions you can ask and seek answers to.

So let's embrace the silent and holy night and the true meaning of this season; and to be fair to Stevie, her version is quite nice too.

Silent night, holy night, All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin, mother and child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace


Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts, sing Alleluia
Christ the Savior is born
Christ the Savior is born

Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth

And hey, why not get a copy of my book! A great stocking stuffer :)

Until next time - Dan