Song!

There’s a Song I the Air

“There’s a song in the air!

There’s a star in the sky!

There’s a mother’s deep prayer

And a baby’s low cry!

And the star rains its fire

While the beautiful sing,

For the manger of Bethlehem

 cradles a king.”

(1989 Methodist Hymnal #249)

(Josiah G. Holland 1874)

            There is a lot of joy around the Christmas season. I am somewhat reluctant to use non-carols as a lead-in, but the pop songs do create joy. Songs of Rudolph, Jingle Bells, White Christmas, Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, (My personal favorite for a Christmas laugh) and many more usually do not help increase the spirituality but do certainly add to the happiness of the season.

            Several years ago, at lunch with a pastor the restaurant was playing pop Christmas music. He did not want to hear about Rudolph, Santa or Grandma. I spent a good part of the lunch applying my considerable sales skills trying to manipulate the mood to positive and in the spirit of the season. I could not do it!  I realized later that he was having a bad day and grabbed on to the music as a symbol of his angst.

            My view on Christmas pop music is noncritical; it adds to the joy, the event and maybe even brings someone to Church. It gives people an opportunity to think about what it is all about and adds to the season.

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
   and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

(Luke 2 vs. 14)

 Thought for Today: For today as we wrap up our last minute preparations for Christmas, let us take a few moments, forget the stresses and enjoy the moment.

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, today we approach the celebration of Jesus birth. It is a wonderful season and we are blessed. We thank you for the Grace guaranteed us through him.

Amen