Christmas time should be the time of the year when we reflect upon the birth of Jesus. However, all too often it is filled with present buying, present wrapping, Christmas cards, light displays and baking treats. All of these things are enjoyable, but they can create a busyness which can detract from the true meaning of Christmas.
I encourage you this Christmas to read the story of Christ’s birth in the Bible. There is no substitute for God’s word, but there are also some really great Advent devotionals like the one our church is going through called Waiting Here for You by Louie Giglio. There are also some really great Christmas songs which are beautifully written that are worth pausing and meditating on the meaning.
 |
| The Little Drummer Boy This song hits me because of the beauty of its simplicity. The little drummer boy had no gift to bring, because he was poor. So, he played his drum for Jesus. He played his best for the baby Jesus. I have cried more times than I could tell you at this song. Who am I kidding? I have cried at all of these songs! This song is truly a picture of giving our best for Jesus, because we love him. Pure and simple. |
 |
| You’re Here What beautiful lyrics such as: “You made the world before I was born, but here I am holding you in my arms tonight” “You could’ve left us on our own, but you’re here.” “I look at your hand, they’re still so small. Someday you’re going to stretch them out and save us all.” Truly beautiful! |
 |
| O Holy Night This is probably my most favorite Christmas song. Carl and I were fortunate enough to have Carl’s dear friend, Nate, and his brothers come and sing this to our family acapella one Christmas Eve. The kids weren’t particularly moved, but I don’t think there was a dry adult eye in the room. It was so beautiful. What a divine night when Christ was born! |
 |
| Mary, Did You Know? This song is truly powerful to me. Some of the lyrics which are particularly special are: “This child that you’ve delivered, will soon deliver you.” “When you kiss your little baby, you’ve kissed the face of God.” “The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again, the lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the Lamb.” “The sleeping child your holding is the great I Am.” |
 |
| O Come, O Come, Emmanuel This song absolutely breaks my heart. The first verse is this: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.” Christ came for the Jew first and then for the Gentile (Romans 1:16). This song reminds me when I hear it to pray for the Jews who still wait in anticipation for their Messiah, but He has already come! Pray they would be able to see it!
|