The Music of Christmas
23/12/2011
What’s so important about music at Christmas?
Songs can gladden the heart.
Songs carry the message.
Songs were used at the first Christmas.
If we read the Bible record there were lots of music and songs associated with the first Christmas.
- There was Mary’s song when she found out she was pregnant. She went to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, who also was expecting a baby.
- Elizabeth’s husband, Zechariah, sang a prophetic song when his son, JBap, was born. This happened when Mary (Jesus’ mother) was about 3 months pregnant.
- And, there was the song of the angels announcing to the shepherds that Jesus was born in Bethlehem.
- I am sure that Mary must have sung a lullaby to Jesus to settle him when he was distressed.
So, What’s so important about music at Christmas time?
- God invented music and he wants to bless us with music. There was a time when the best music in the world was Christian music. Unfortunately there are not many Christian artists who make it to the top 40 (Guy Sebastian & Paulini are 2 exceptions, both coming from Adelaide).
- The good news of Christmas gladdens our hearts. Good music affects our hearts. It improves our attitudes, it inspires us to do our best, and it touches our emotions. Ultimately the good news of Christmas is about what God has done for us as a free gift. It is spelled out in the lyrics of the carols. We cannot earn friendship with God. Only He provides the way for us to know Him, and it happens by becoming friends with his Son, Jesus. That’s why the good news at Christmas is so important.
- God used music to proclaim the most wonderful news. It was to the ordinary old shepherds who were living out in the paddocks, on a winter’s night that the heavens rang out to the voices of angels. The shepherds were terrified as they heard the good news, and watched as the angels sang those amazing words: “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those on whom his favour rests (or goodwill to all mankind)”.
Praise be to God – this most wonderful event has just taken place. Just now in Bethlehem, a Saviour has been born to you he is Christ, the Lord. He’s the one you’ve been expecting.
So, tonight we are joining in the celebration of Christmas. Its a wonderful time of giving the glory back to God in highest heaven, of hearing the good news of God’s peace and goodwill. But most of all, Christmas is about celebrating the birth of our Saviour, JESUS CHRIST the Lord. God became one of us. Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday.
