Sing a Song of Christmas

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Whether this will be the most wonderful column of the year remains to be seen. As long as I do not get coal in my stocking from the editor, I will be satisfied. I started with that sentence because it is also the title of a song written the year I was born (1963) and popularized by Andy Williams. Many people would agree with the sentiment of the song. I love Christmas and Christmas music. In the paragraphs below I will note some merry melodies and consider how they relate to Christmas. It has occurred to me as I have listened to a ton of Christmas music and heard people talk about the holiday that many folks love and celebrate Christmas without loving and celebrating the Christ of Christmas. As you read on, I trust we all be reminded of who it is all about.

In Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, the angelic messengers are given singing voices. Charles Wesley and George Whitfield worked together to write it way back in 1739. As founding ministers in the Methodist church, they knew their stuff. However, Luke 2 does not say that the angels sang. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:13-14). Imagine being one of those shepherds. Originally, they were terrified by the sight of one angel who told them about a baby in a manger. Once they get their bearings, a whole host of angels make a proclamation. Jesus’ arrival on the planet he created certainly brought glory to God. Since Adam and Eve, sinners needed reconciled with God. Now, those God had favor upon would have peace through His Son. Jesus was a new-born king who deserved glory. Now he is a coming-soon king. Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Phil. 2:10-11).

One obscure Christmas song that I discovered a year or two ago was sung by someone many of you will remember as a popular singer many years ago. Perry Como sang a song that spells out the meaning of Christmas with an appropriate title – C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S.

When I was but a youngster Christmas meant one thing.

That I’d be getting lots of toys that day. I learned a whole lot different

When Mother sat me down And taught me to spell ‘Christmas’ this way:

‘C’ is for the Christ child, born upon this day

‘H’ for herald angels in the night

‘R’ means our Redeemer

‘I’ means Israel

‘S’ is for the star that shone so bright

‘T’ is for three wise men, they who travelled far

‘M’ is for the manger where He lay

‘A’ is for all He stands for

‘S’ means Shepherds came. And that’s why there’s a Christmas day!

I certainly remember being a child who got excited about the presents. With four siblings, the gifts could not possibly all fit under the tree. What a blessing to be loved (and possibly spoiled). But my Mom made sure we remembered God’s gift. We tried to pass that along to our sons. The letters of the word Christmas all have meaning in this tune. Just remember that the wise men came to the house later. They were not there to see the newborn. But the shepherds were there. To go from a throng of angels to a humble manger must have been an amazing journey. I wonder if any of those sheep herders tracked Jesus’ progress. They may have been in their 50s or 60s when he died on the cross. They surely knew this was no ordinary baby. And no matter how much our culture downplays the Christ-child, one cannot spell Christmas without Christ.

In a few days I will speak at a holiday memorial service for those who are grieving this Christmas. It occurred to me that a number of seasonal songs emphasize family and even romantic relationships. That may not be necessarily bad, but can be a troubling thing for those who will be missing a family member or two at Christmas. Hearts may not “be glowing,” for loved ones may not be near. While it is true “there’s no place like home for the holidays,” those in many homes will be hurting. It is doubtful that “next year all our troubles will be miles away.” That is why it is so important that we understand and embrace the name Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” When we are sad, grieving, worried, and lonely or anything else that is troubling, the truth is that Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection means God is with us. And when a person accepts Jesus as her or his savior, the Holy Spirit is not only with us but in us! That and many other factors associated with Jesus’ mission bring true “joy to the world.”

I remember that my Mom enjoyed singing in the choir. She had a beautiful voice. Ironically, one of her favorite Christmas albums featured that famous musical group, the Chipmunks. Alvin! I recently bought that old LP and it isn’t bad, I guess. But I know Mom’s favorite sacred song was O Holy Night. The lyrics are excellent and the tune is very nice. It just is not a very easy song to sing. “Long lay the world in sin and error pining.” People are pining for something beyond themselves; something or someone who will satisfy. Folks need the One who can give their soul worth. The weary world rejoices at the thrill of hope. Hope is like oxygen to the soul. To be hopeless is a terrible thing. When we fall on our knees and acknowledge him, then his power and glory we will evermore proclaim.

I close with this prayer which needs little commentary: Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay close by me forever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, and fit us for heaven, to live with thee there. We don’t have to ask Jesus to love us. He left heaven and arrived away in manger because of his unlimited love. We could pray that we would love him more fully and abide in him. One thing is certain. We are closer than ever to living with him there.

May your days be merry and bright as you look to the one who was born on that silent night. And although it’s been said many times, many ways, “Merry Christmas to you”!