Music of Christmas

I love Christmas music. They are some of my all time favorite music.

I love Nat King Cole’s rendition of The Christmas Song. Seeing Bing Crosby and David Bowie sing The Little Drummer Boy on You-Tube is downright special. Hearing Karen Carpenter sing Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and I’ll Be Home for Christmas is soothing but also sad because she died at an early age from anorexia. Even though Michael W. Smith is not a great singer he has produced and orchestrated some the best new Christmas music (Christmas Time, Gloria, It’s A Wonderful Christmas, and Sing We Now of Christmas/O Come, O Come Emmanuel/Emmanuel melody are my favorites). My other favorites are Joy to the World, Silent Night, Go Tell It On the Mountain and O Holy Night, especially when Josh Groban sings it.

Sometimes the music helps me remember of Christmas past and my families Christmas traditions. Some of my favorite traditions were waiting on the stair steps as my Dad went downstairs to turn on the lights and get things ready on Christmas mourn; my parents Christmas Eve party with family and friends; and my grandparents coming to our home on Christmas morning. The music also encourages me to continue similar traditions. I do the same thing my father did plus we read the Christmas story before Samuel and Amanda can come down. Our family enjoys cutting down a Christmas tree near or on Val’s birthday and hosting now my parents, brother and sister, and their children for Christmas Eve lunch and gift exchange.

Mostly, Christmas music as I reflect on the lyrics stirs my heart with joy and hope. They also stir up some painful memories and disappointments. I long for my Savior Jesus and look forward to the day when my struggle with sin is over and find complete rest for my soul in Him. But for now, the Christmas music reminds me that God is with me (and at great cost to Himself) in the work and person of Jesus Christ and he will complete His gracious work in me and in you. Whatever you are going through this Christmas season, my prayer is that you may know this Jesus who is no longer a Babe in a manager but the Redeeming Lord of our restless souls. I leave you with some newer artists who are gifted songwriters and musicians.

"Joy Has Dawned upon the World"
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2004 Thank you Music

Joy has dawned upon the world,
Promised from creation—
God's salvation now unfurled,
Hope for ev'ry nation.
Not with fanfares from above,
Not with scenes of glory,
But a humble gift of love—
Jesus born of Mary.

Sounds of wonder fill the sky
With the songs of angels
As the mighty Prince of Life
Shelters in a stable.
Hands that set each star in place,
Shaped the earth in darkness,
Cling now to a mother's breast,
Vuln'rable and helpless.

Shepherds bow before the Lamb,
Gazing at the glory;
Gifts of men from distant lands
Prophesy the story.
Gold—a King is born today,
Incense—God is with us,
Myrrh—His death will make a way,
And by His blood He'll win us.

Son of Adam, Son of heaven,
Given as a ransom;
Reconciling God and man,
Christ, our mighty champion!
What a Savior! What a Friend!
What a glorious myst'ry!
Once a babe in Bethlehem,
Now the Lord of hist'ry.

Have a Merry Christmas season and let me know some of your favorite Christmas music and traditions.

Love, Pastor Jeff