Have you noticed how everyone seems to bond over Christmas music? My wife pointed out that our local Christian radio station was playing White Christmas the other day. We thought it was interesting that although they won’t play secular songs, like Call Me Maybe or Heathens, during the year, they apparently have no problem playing a secular song during December. I’m pretty sure that White Christmas is about snow, not the cleansing blood of Jesus.
Secular radio stations and artists are no better. Penatonix’s cover of Mary, Did You Know? is red hot. There are over 104 million hits on their YouTube video, which is crazy impressive. Yet, as Capt. Hook reminded me this past week, Mary did know that she was playing an integral role in God’s salvation story. The real question is, Penatonix, do you know who you’re singing about?
Now don’t get me wrong; I’m not trying to be judgmental. In fact, I thought twice (well, more than twice) about whether or not to post about this topic. Christmas music seems to break down walls to connect people, and perhaps that’s the point. After all, Jesus, the reason we celebrate during this season, did the same thing.
Reading through my Bible, I see story after story of Jesus breaking down walls to connect with people. He spoke with a Samaritan woman, which was a big no-no during that time (John 4:1-26). He hung out with tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9:9-13), and touched lepers (Matthew 8:1-4). Jesus defied social rules and stereotypes all to show people how the love of God connects them with Him and each other (Mark 12:28-34).
Perhaps that’s why Christmas music bonds us. Christmas, though some may argue otherwise, is a Christian holiday. Santa’s jolly belly isn’t big enough to block the manger. Almost everyone knows that we’re celebrating Jesus’ birthday on December 25. Perhaps these songs that we sing during this season reflect the Reason for the season. Perhaps through these songs, whether Christian or secular, we partially experience the love of God, displayed in Jesus, and thus feel more connected to each other.
I could be wrong about all of this but regardless, Jesus is the reason for this season. Though He isn’t a popular topic during most other days of the year (He is in the Church but not always outside of it), Christmas seems to be that one time of year where people see Jesus for who He truly is; a Life Giver (John 10:7-10), a Reconciler (2 Corinthians 5:17-19), a Joy (John 15:9-12) and a Hope (1 Peter 1:3-5). As a result, we feel alive, reconciled, joyful and hopeful. I most definitely have these feelings during this season, and have the opportunity to do beyond this season as well.
Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). By remembering who He is, regardless of the season, you and I have an opportunity to experience the love of God that connects us with Him and each other. I pray that we use this opportunity to reach out and connect with others who are in and outside our circles, whether we are in December or not.
Temitope 