A Bing Christmas

‘Twas just days before Christmas and this columnist thought, “Will I be able to write creatively for the big day or not?” He went to his keyboard with a slipper on each foot, glad to not have to go down a chimney with soot. Would he write about past December memories or the recent holiday play? Shall he consider Mary, Joseph and the baby in the hay? So, he asked the Lord to give him a plan; an idea that would be pleasing to each woman and man. Then up in his mind there finally came one thing. What if he focused on songs that were sung by Bing. He is the one named Crosby, for those who did not know. His songs can be found everywhere at Christmas, ho, ho, ho. So read on for the songs of him who dreamed that Christmas would be white; and think of the One who brings us goodness and light.

As you may know, Bing Crosby’s version of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is not only the number one Christmas song of all-time, but the top selling single of any kind, ever. The song has earned over 50 million dollars and been recorded in at least 500 different ways. The tune both reminisces and looks ahead hopefully at the same time. Unlike many songs, the lyrics are few. Yet, many people have a desire for snow on Dec. 25 because of the imagery of tree tops glistening and days being merry and bright if only Christmas could be white.

Of course, the popular song has nothing to do with what Christmas celebrates. It does make me think of something though. Jesus came into the darkness of this world for the purpose of making us pure and white spiritually. Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool (Isaiah 1:18). Those prophetic words looked ahead to what the Father would have the Son accomplish in those who believe in him. We do not have to dream of being cleansed of our sins. There is no need for wishful thinking. God creates new hearts for those who sincerely ask him to change them. And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart (Ezekiel 36:26).

Mele Kalikimaka is another song the Bing made popular when joined by the Andrews Sisters. It too has nothing to do with Jesus, beyond God creating the land where “palm trees sway.” In Hawaii “we know that Christmas will be green and bright,” as opposed to white. The sun shines by day and all the stars at night. I do not know about you, but I would gladly trade our bleak midwinter cold days for green palms instead glistening evergreens. No matter where we find ourselves on Christmas, what really matters is what is on the inside as opposed to the weather outside. When we celebrate Jesus, we can be merry no matter what.

Perhaps my favorite sacred Crosby Christmas song was one he sung in Latin and English – Adeste Fidelis (O Come, All Ye Faithful). It was the first sacred song he recorded. Crosby was reluctant to sing sacred songs for commercial gain at first. Arrangements were made to donate the profits from them to charities. His voice is richer than ever in his rendition of the song written in 1744. The lyrics are what make the song beloved even after several centuries have passed. In a real sense, faithful followers go to Bethlehem each Christmas. We imagine the stable or cave that was offered to the weary couple who traveled. We think of Mary and Joseph’s journey to register at a bad time. Or was it? Go to the outskirts of the little town and imagine the shepherds being overwhelmed by angels.

Come to Bethlehem with joy and in triumph, knowing that this baby is God incarnate. Now that we behold him, we can be sure that God is with us people as he never was before. Even his name means “the Lord saves.” He is the King of angels because he created and commands them. The same kind of angels that spoke to Mary and Joseph and the shepherds are watching over you even now.

O come, let us adore him is repeated because we must be reminded of the opportunity we have to worship the one who was born to die. Do we revere and enjoy him? Is Jesus one we celebrate not only late in December but daily? Christ is the anointed one who came on a specific mission. Jesus is the Creator who is not just Savior but also Lord.

The angels are not the only citizens of heaven above. The children of God also belong there. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior (Phil. 3:20). Our minds should not only go to Bethlehem but also be fixed on our heavenly home. There may be no place like home for the holidays; but there is no place like heaven for eternity. The things of this earth pale in comparison to what awaits. There is a sequel to Christmas. There will not be cattle lowing but there will be a trumpet sounding. Jesus came so we could be in that place that he is preparing - where we belong and should long for. Glory to God in the highest!

We should greet Jesus often. Pray in his name to be one submitted to him. The way we think and live our lives should allow glory to be given to him. The eternal Word of the Father appeared in the flesh (John 1:1-5). His sacrifice should cause us to adore him and lay our lives before him.

The other song Bing Crosby recorded in 1935 was Silent Night. It was written for guitar in 1818 when a church organ was damaged. Crosby sings it with a rich, reverent, calm, peaceful tone. Most churches seem to sing Silent Night for their candle light services. One can see why it remains so well-liked when one considers the tune and lyrics. Some of the lyrics are presumptive. We do not know if all was calm and bright. My readers who have given birth would probably say they were not calm. Perhaps their husbands were not either. Mary gave birth naturally to the supernatural. She had peace but was probably not quiet. There is nothing in scripture indicating radiant beams from Jesus’s face. He was, however the manifestation of redeeming grace!

We do know that shepherds quaked at the sight of the angels. How they reacted to seeing Jesus is uncertain beyond the fact that they did what we should after the encounter with Christ the savior who was born. They told others the good news. You may not be part of a heavenly host or a famous crooner like Bing Crosby; but you can sing Alleluia. And because Jesus was Lord at his birth and forever, may you too sleep in heavenly peace!