Hymn day! Sunday! The best day of the week! These days the hymns are often carols, in stores, at the doctors office, on your XM radio, through your electronic devices, at church and after all that, in your head! Lovely sounds… the "sounds of the season" as some albums are titled. Familiar, memory laden melodies, bringing comfort and praise, compelling us to worship the baby Jesus' coming to earth. What is it about Christmas music that makes it so compelling and lifts our spirits? Do the poets write more beautiful words for Christmas carols? Are the composers on their best inspirational behavior? Maybe. Even the secular songs delight..is it about the birth of the Holy Child or about Rudolph? A lot of music at Christmas has nothing to do with God's gift and more to do about commercial "feel good" and entertainment. That has its place, too.
Today let us thing of Christmas music as prayers to God. Worship. Let's sing: "Joy to the World" which is my favorite thanksgiving to God, filled with all the good the Baby Jesus brings to earth, since "He makes HIs blessings flow." Nothing we did to earn the blessings, either. Just knowing we only need to accept the gift of His Son makes the story simple, yet incredible. Why would anyone say "no?" "I don't really choose to get involved." "Nice holiday, but I think I'll focus on the holly, jolly Christmas part." And Jingle Bells then may be your favorite Christmas carol. It may seem strange and sad, but it certainly is a common attitude of society today.
Well, not for us! We are His chosen people, the apples of His eye, and the delights of His heart. I am talking about you! And me! Why wouldn't we be joyful? To be loved by God and to know it brings the greatest joy on earth! Let's choose to prepare our hears, sing our prayers to the King of Kings, born in a manger. The baby King who came to earth to die on a Cross. "The wonders of His love!" echoes in our ears!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QsR-D1HYnk
"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth." Psalm 98:4
http://youtu.be/ewQRt0FKODA
Pray:
Father in heaven who came to earth, my our hearts be prepared to proclaim You today. Give us truth and grace that comes only from You. Thank you, Father, for the perfect gift of Your Son Jesus Christ.
Amen
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