Christmas Music

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!" 
– Luke 2:13-14 ESV
 
Ok... It’s confession time.

I’m not a big fan of Christmas Music. There it is. I’ve said it. Whew....

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m a big music guy. I love to sing. I love to listen to Music. I’ve got a huge music collection. And, I’m a huge fan of Christmas. I love all that Christmas is and all its happenings.

However, when it comes to Christmas Music, I tend to be more Bah Humbug than Ho, Ho, Ho.

I think it’s because I associate it with Christmas Retail. Now a days many, if not all, of the retailers are setting up for Christmas even before Halloween. Which tends to take the special away... at least for me.

And then, when I turn on the radio, I’d like to hear my favorite music not necessarily my favorite artists singing old “Christmas Carols”. However, I don’t mind new, original Christmas songs by my favorite artists.

Ok. Now that that rant is over... I’m going to contradict myself a bit.

I love Christmas Music.

That is, if it’s my choice and my timing. And if I allow it to seep into my soul. Then suddenly, I’m singing the old stand-by’s and I don’t even realize it. Suddenly, the Christmas Spirit is filling me with Emmanuel, Mary Did You Know, Silent Night, Carol of the Bells, etc. and so on. And the next thing I know, I’m singing and praising and worshiping.

And that brings me to the lesson of the moment: That’s how it should be with God’s Word. We should allow it to seep into our very soul and permeate our very being to where it just flows out from us in our speech and our actions.

And that’s how it should be with His praises. Songs of praise should flow from our lips that come from somewhere deep in our soul. Words of praise and worship so filling us that it can’t help but escape. Our hearts thankful for all that He is. Our bodies sore afraid from the thought of his awesomeness and His glory. So filled that praise spills out and overflows, and we can’t help but praise.

As Christmas approaches, let’s stop for a moment and remember the birth of the Child born to be Savior of the World. The Child who became a man, but not any ordinary man. A man that lived a holy, sinless life. A man that is Son of God and Son of man. A man who lived and died and lived again so that we might have life, might be forgiven, might one day be with Him in heaven. A Child like no other child who grew to be a man like no other man. Jesus, the One who saves His people from their sin. Emmanuel, God with us.

As Christmas approaches. Let’s take the opportunity to sing His praises. To sing of His greatness. To sing to the King of kings and Lord of lords. To sing to the Savior of the world.

Keep the Faith... Carpe Diem