Christmas Music

In a world that is increasing embracing the idea of religious inclusivity and which is shunning the traditional claims of objective truth inherent in the gospel, I am glad for Christmas music.

Even on secular radio stations like Atlanta's 98.5, there is a willingness to play Christmas music for the last two months of the year.  And I am not referring to the shoddy moralism of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" or the cheesiness of "Jingle Bell Rock," I mean real Christmas music...music about Christ.

In the past few days I have heard a number of the old, beautifully worded, and theological correct Christmas songs on 98.5.  That would include...

O' Holy Night.

Read these lyrics...this is what is so great for people to hear on a secular station.

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

I am not naive enough to think that hearing these lyrics is some magic formula for folks being saved, but it can be part of the "seed-planting and watering" that we have a hand in.  I am excited because hearing about Jesus is always better than not hearing about Jesus and God can do amazing things as he makes those seeds grow!