Christmas Music

What is it about the voice of Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole? I'm pretty sure that without thier voices, my season would not be as homey. The CD thats playing right now opens up with this great big band version of Sleigh Ride. I turned it on this morning and was pleasently rushed into the world of silver garland, popcorn chains, and gaudy plastic stars donning Christmas trees. A part of me loves that cheesy nostalgic side of Christmas.

But, oh how quick I am to miss what it is all about. My choir is rehearsing tonight for our Christmas program, Emmanuel: Our God with Us. The songs I picked to fill the program remind me of how important the fact that Jesus Christ was our Emmanuel. I get soo secular. Oh how much I need to remember that I am dead to this world.

But...I think one wonderful side of all this is that, when I place the coming of Christ to earth at the top priority of my thoughts and motives, my excitement/responses/joys in the season are simply an overflow. If I am thankful for Christ coming to earth, I am full of joy for the time spent with family. If I turn my attention to the glorious virgin birth, my joy in giving gifts full. If my heart is full with the amazing gift I recieved because Christ came to earth, oh how complete my Christmas is. By walking by the Spirit this Christmas, I cannot gratify the desires of the flesh by seeking my own way this Christmas. (GALATIANS 5:17)

I need to be reminded of this. I need it, because I am so prone to wander. I am so prone to think of my Christmas experience, when really I'm missing it. Because my experience will only be full when I treasure the Christ for which I have the oppurtunity to celebrate this year.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, (EPHESIANS 1:3)