December 12, 2018
To read full passage click: Isaiah 12:4-6 …“Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth.” vs. 5
During the weeks before Christmas we are subjected to a constant stream of holiday music nearly everywhere we turn. Every community chorus has a concert as do most schools and churches. Malls feature strolling singers and pipe in familiar carols to accentuate the shopping spirit and spur on the buying frenzy. The songs are almost all “fluff,” silly and sentimental favorites about snowmen, Santa, weather, and parties. They’re designed to be shallow in order not to offend. They’re nostalgic but not spiritual. Seldom are there references to the Christ or the Incarnate Word. This doesn’t mean they’re bad or dangerous for faith, but they don’t come close to the kind of praise singing that Isaiah recommends. What a blessing it will be on Christmas Eve to hear the hymns that reflect the good news of the gospel! What we celebrate on that glorious day is the triumph of light over darkness. It’s good news of great joy for all the world. Certainly we’ll be singing! The coming of the Christ is the best news ever and deserves deep-throated songs of praise and thanksgiving. Thank God for all the musicians who are practicing their hearts out during Advent to ensure that our celebration is fitting and beautiful! When their soulful harmonies are blended with the joyful noises of the masses, hearts are lifted up and God is glorified.
Thought for the Day: What’s my favorite Christmas hymn?
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