Dear Friends,
During the past month we have been blessed to hear the familiar sounds of Christmas. Everyone has their own personal favorites – some enjoy the old standards like “Away in a Manger” and “Silent Night;” others turn to songs by Christian contemporary artists such as Amy Grant, Chris Tomlin, and Casting Crowns. Our personal tastes are quite eclectic, so we run the gamut from deeply spiritual songs like “Mary Did You Know” to outlandishly secular tunes like “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.”
Why does Christmas music fill us with joy? Psychologists report a number of research findings about the immediate psychological and medical benefits of music: increased happiness, less stress, reduced depression symptoms, greater autonomy, and increased competence, hope, and optomism.
For the world at large, it may be that music evokes memories of joy-filled past Christmases. For others, it may be anticipation of a family gathering, a turkey dinner, or a load of gifts. For Christians, it is a time when songs are one way we can express thanks to God for the most amazing gift of all – Jesus.
“Shout to the Lord, all the earth;
break out in praise and sing for joy! ” Psalm 98:4 (NLT)
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come into his presence with singing.” Psalm 100:1-2 (NRSV)
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.” Colossians 3:16
Melodies can be powerful emotional triggers, but lyrics carry the message. The sounds of Christmas have words that remind us of the miraculous birth of our savior. Whether in psalms, hymns, or spiritual songs, when we listen for the message God wants us to hear – we never know what will come to mind.
Recently, we were listening to “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” – not exactly a Christian classic- when a couple of new stanzas came to mind.
Grandmas Got run over by a reindeer
Walking home from our house Christmas Eve.
Now She jingles bells with friends in heaven;
Thanks to Jesus Christ whom she believed.
We are sad that she”s not with us,
But her loss we had to face.
Now at Christmastime we focus
On Christ’s birth and on God’s grace.
Christmas is a very difficult time when you have lost friends and loved ones, as we have. We pray that you will find peace and hope this holiday season by focusing on Jesus and by trusting in God’s limitless grace.
Verse for the Week:
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
We wish you a very Merry Christmas.
Blessings,
Your Friends in Christ
Because He Loves Us Press 