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
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked on the humble estate of His servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for He who is mighty has done great things for me, and Holy is His name. And His mercy is for those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” – Luke 1:46-55
“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old, that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us; to show the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant, the oath that He swore to our father Abraham, to grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” – Luke 1:68-79
Music is a big part of our Christmas. I have a hard time getting Kathy to NOT play Christmas music until after Thanksgiving! Going Christmas caroling was a part of our Christmas tradition growing up – we hadn’t been caroling in ages until last weekend when a few of us went out to UGA Family/Graduate Housing. We used to sing a lot more of the Christmas songs and hymns in church, too – we miss that.
From the angels song, to Mary and Zechariah’s praises, music has and is a part of Christmas. I was reading a devotion here recently that was discussing Mary’s “Magnificat” and how a simple, young girl reacted to the angel’s message to her. She burst forth into praise, song, and prophecy! How? Why?
And Zechariah first words after being mute for several months was song of praise and prophecy? Why?
I believe that when we – finite, mortal beings – come into the presence and wonder of the eternal God and are touched by Him, we naturally overflow with the knowledge of Him and from Him. We cannot help but praise, prophecy and express our love for Him. I believe this is why music is not only a part of Christmas but is a part of the Revelation saga and will be a part of our eternity with Jesus.
I don’t care if you can’t “carry a tune in a bucket” – if you truly believe that God is who He says He is and He is in you (as He is once you say “Yes” to Him), you should be making a “joyful noise unto the Lord”. This is not putting a fake smile on your face and falsely saying that everything is good, but it is an overflow of the joy that the gift of His grace and mercy should place in our hearts.
This Christmas, look at the words of the Christmas carols and hymns, hear them as if this is the first time. Open your hearts to the wonder of the story. And let the praise overflow from your heart and pour out from your lips.
Be well,
Steve
