Christmas Music

As I sit writing this, I’m listening to a new Christmas album.  I know that it’s silly to buy new Christmas music because it is only for a season, but I also know that the season is only for commercialism.  The story of Jesus coming to earth for us is for our salvation and to remember that when life seems bleak or it seems as if God is silent, a big event is arriving.  That news is for all year long. 

Music is powerful.  It can influence our mood and emotions with just the tone.  Once we add lyrics to the sounds, it can become life changing.  Music tells a story.  The Israelites were waiting for a Messiah.  Hundreds of years passed with God being silent, and then on a Silent Night, joy came into the world.  With Christ coming into the world, joyous songs burst out because salvation from sin was brought into the world that very night. 

Too many times we all get caught up in the commercialism of Christmas.  We want to buy the best presents that represent what we feel about someone.  We want those receiving the gifts to be pleased.  We want to receive gifts that we can use and appreciate, and not those that we have to return to the store.  Decorations around the house can become more laborious than joyful when we decide every item must be perfect or someone tries to change something.  Parties are abundant and more gifts to buy.  Shopping centers are crowded and the parking lots are a mess.  Everyone wants something from someone and we stretch our money into the upcoming year with more debt.  These are the reasons that people do not want the Christmas season to start early. 

Christmas can be difficult for people who have lost loved ones or have had a difficult year and are alone for the holidays.  I didn’t discover the beauty of Christmas music until a couple of years ago when I was writing.  I realized that it always brightened my mood and gave me hope because the story of Jesus being born brings us hope.  The coming of Jesus brings us hope.  Jesus brings us hope. 

As I walk through the crowded malls and stores, I smile when I hear the Good News blaring through the intercoms as shoppers push around me to get their goodies.  A simple Christmas carol can deliver the good News of Jesus.   In earlier centuries they would ring the church bells and the bells of the city to announce good news.  So, let’s ring in the Christmas season with our Christmas bells that may sound more like synthesizers.  The worship team at my church modernizes the Christmas carols and the message is still there.  The message of Christmas is to announce the birth of Jesus.  It’s difficult, but let’s try to listen above the noise to hear the beauty of the songs that are playing all around us during this “season.”