Christmas Music

Christmas Music
It is the time of year when everyone seems to be blasting “Christmas music.” It is on the radio, in the grocery store, at the mall, and even in the elevators of some buildings. Maybe you like this music, maybe you don’t. Whether you love it or hate it, we are all familiar with “Christmas music.” Yet, if we consider what Christmas is, and remember that Christ is the focal point, then we would realize that the Church sings Christmas music all year round. True Christmas music is that which directs our hearts in praise to Christ as we remember Him.

“Joy To the World” by Isaac Watts is one of the most famous Christmas hymns known to us. Yet, if we are not careful we will miss the beauty of it because it is familiar. The hymn speaks about the joy that has come to the world with the incarnation of Christ Jesus. It calls the earth to receive the King and for all men to receive Him. It reminds us of the rule and reign of Christ and the joy that comes in being under His sovereign care. It reminds us that Christ has come and defeated death, hell, and the grave. That He came and has made His blessings to flow “far as the curse is found.” That is to say, just as the curse that the Lord pronounced to the first man and woman in Genesis 3 that would spread to all men, so now has Christ brought His blessings to be received by all men. The hymn ends with a reminder that Christ rules the world with “truth and grace.”

“Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” by Charles Wesley is one of my personal favorites. It is a reminder for us to remember the first advent of Christ and to look to His second. This is why Christmas is such a joyous season. We celebrate Christmas with the Cross in view. We celebrate Christmas because Jesus condescended to us and took upon Himself humanity. From Christmas we look to Easter Sunday. For Christ did not come aimlessly or without purpose. He came to redeem His people from their sins. As we look to the Cross from the Christmas manger we can look forward to the day in which Christ will make His second Advent. For He has promised that He will return in glory and in victory. 

So, whether you are a fan of Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” or not, remember that the Church is always in the business of singing about Christ. We sing of His first and second coming. We sing of Him lowly in a manger and of Him highly exalted. So whether it is December or any other month, let us sing of Christ and find our joy in Him.

Grace be with you,
C. R. Hamilton