Small Struggle

 I had a small struggle the other day to find Christmas music that was actually Christmas music. The harder I looked in a streaming provider, the more I found playlists of "inspirational" or similar labels that included secular songs about nothing that included love of God or neighbor. Christmas music is about Christ. Sure we can generalize a bit to the things that Christ does and celebration of Creation. Fun and goofy songs are fine, I do like my fair share of dancing to upbeat tunes. The significant of who we celebrate, though, has to be an important part of anything that would be called Christmas. While I am on this little rant, it is the church who gets to name the simple criteria of what is and what isn't "Christmas." So, there.

Hymns and songs teach meaning and pieces of the Christmas story. So, what is really
important is for us to be sure that the authentic carols aren't lost in all the noise. Carols the sing a new song about Christ have the intended benefit of pointing newcomers towards the manger. There all find hope and joy that is authentic. The true joy of Christ lasts long after Epiphany.

Psalm 96 

O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.

Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples.

For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be revered above all gods.

For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.

Honor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts.

Worship the Lord in holy splendor; tremble before him, all the earth.

Say among the nations, “The Lord is king! The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved. He will judge the peoples with equity.”

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it;

let the field exult, and everything in it. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy

before the Lord; for he is coming, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with his truth.

O God, we sing to you and give you glory. We praise you for your coming among us. We thank you for all the ways that you bring us joy. Guide us to sing and share your love and peace with the world! Lord, we lift to you all those that need you to sing over them a song of healing and help... In your great Name, we pray. Amen.