A Little Help with Christmas Music

Posted on Nov 24, 2017 in Pastor's Blog |

 
I recognize that the real debate over Christmas music revolves around the question, “When is it appropriate to begin listening to the carols?” Many folks, Christians included, engage in this discussion, arguing for after Halloween, or the day after Thanksgiving, or (my favorite) all year ‘round. I confess that it is really weird to hear “Let it Snow” at a gas station on the first day of November.

As this disagreement rages (ok, not literally 
rages) around us, I’d like to give you a little help regarding carols from a different perspective. You see, I think that Christmas music captures the reality of God’s story of redemption better than any of our other music. I’m all about the classics. My two favorites: O Come O Come Emmanuel and Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
. My reasons for them being favorites? I love the words! I worship when I sing/hear these two songs. It doesn’t get any better than this:

            “Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail the incarnate Deity. Pleased as man with

            men to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel.”

            And,

            “Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die. Born to raise the

            sons of earth, Born to give them second birth.”

            And,

            “O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan’s tyranny From depths

            of Hell Thy people save And give them victory o’er the grave.”

But, not only do the classics give us great perspective, but some of the newer contemporary Christmas songs add to our worship. I want to recommend to you three of my newer favorites. I’ll also tell you who I listen to singing them, but realize that they may be done better by others. My whole goal is for you to expand your horizons, and also to know my favorite flavors.

My three new(er) favorites:

Adoration by the Newsboys, One Quiet Moment and In the First Light

, both by Glad. Here are a few lines from these songs:

            “He raises a wrinkled hand through the dust and flies, wrapped in rags like we

            are and with barely opened eyes, He takes my finger And He won’t let go

            And He won’t let go…Come let us adore Him…”

            And,

            “They wrestled with knowing that His life would bring change; Friends would

            grow distant, and shun them as strange. Though they tried not to think it, in

            their hearts they were sure, That their baby was destined to die for the world.”

            And,

            “In the first light of a new day No one knew that He had arrived. Things

            continued as they had been While a new born softly cried. But the heavens

            wrapped in wonder Knew the meaning of His birth. In the weakness of a

            baby They knew God had come to earth.”

So, whenever you start listening to Christmas music, listen to the words! We celebrate a once in history event. That event, God becoming man, changes everything! REJOICE!
 
In Him,