One of the joys of the Christmas season is the beautiful music that is played everywhere. Recently I heard the faint strains of Hark the Herald Angels Sing as I cruised up and down the grocery store aisles. Bing Crosby's version of O Little Town of Bethlehem greeted me when I stepped into an elevator at a local mall. And when I tuned into satellite radio's holiday station, I got to enjoy a melodious rendition of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.
Bach's Beautiful Cantata
The famous Bach cantata Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring might not be as familiar to some, but this beautiful piece has been played at many Christian festivities since it was written in the early 1700s. In addition to Christmas, you may have heard it at Easter and at weddings.
The lyrics that were later added by Robert Bridges are striking. They call for us to look to Jesus, the joy of man's desiring. His wisdom and love speak to us, drawing us into an amazing relationship that allows our souls to soar!
What I Love Most About Christmas
Friends, this is what I love most about Christmas. In the days ahead, we can't help but focus on Jesus. The decorations, wrappings, food, and festivities don't have to be distractions—instead, they can be constant reminders of what this holy season is all about!
And that's what I long for: I want to really know Jesus more and more this Christmas. I think Paul said it best this way:
I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death.
— Philippians 3:7-10
My Heart's Desire
Like the apostle, my heart's desire is to know my Lord and Savior:
- I want to understand why He left the joys of Heaven in order to save us
- I long to love the way He does, reaching out to both the saved and yet-to-be-saved
- I want to share with them about the joy that He has given me
Much of the music of this blessed season reminds me of His truths. The beautiful hymns of Christmas point us to hope, peaceful music, and the joy found in following Christ.
Celebrate the Season
Hope is indeed guiding us in this journey of life. Christmas and all its festivities merely point us back to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
So, enjoy the music! Drink in the sights and sounds of the season, and celebrate with family and friends. Most of all, get to know Jesus more through every joyful moment of the days and weeks ahead.
Merry Christmas from all of us at Sonkist Ministries!
Thought of the Month
The beloved carol O Little Town of Bethlehem by Phillips Brooks and Lewis Redner captures the essence of what we long for this season—for Jesus to be born anew in our hearts and to abide with us as our Lord Emmanuel.