Christmas is the celebration of One who would swing open heaven’s door to all who would trust in him. We are meant to greet the anniversary of the Messiah’s birth with our whole being – and this bubbles out into song. It’s one reason why we hear carols playing everywhere we go in the month of December. No amount of bah humbug seems to be able to shut it off, and I think there is good reason for that. We may let ourselves be distracted by the stress of the season, the Christ child slipping out of focus and off into the periphery of our thoughts. Yet even then, we often find ourselves unconsciously humming these little worshipful carols at all hours of the day. This is a time of year peculiarly claimed by our Lord. Even the unbelieving masses sing of him in these carols. It’s beautiful, really, that the world sings to him at Christmas, in anticipation of a day when all shall bow and confess Christ’s lordship. Let us who love him intentionally fix our eyes on the miracle of the incarnation and sing with gusto.
Remember: He was born to open heaven’s door! He was born to bless us! We who love him shall gain Heaven and Heaven’s King! Good Christians, rejoice!
Scriptures to consider:
Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The LORD has made known his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations. He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! Psalm 98:1-4
Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me…” John 14:1-6
Hymn to enjoy:
Good Christian men, rejoice
with heart and soul and voice;
give ye heed to what we say:
Jesus Christ was born today.
Ox and ass before him bow,
and he is in the manger now.
Christ is born today!
Christ is born today!
Good Christian men, rejoice
with heart and soul and voice;
now ye hear of endless bliss:
Jesus Christ was born for this!
He has opened heaven’s door,
and we are blest forevermore.
Christ was born for this!
Christ was born for this!
Good Christian men, rejoice
with heart and soul and voice;
now ye need not fear the grave:
Jesus Christ was born to save!
Calls you one and calls you all
to gain his everlasting hall.
Christ was born to save!
Christ was born to save!
English translation by John Mason Neale (1818-1866), music is a German melody from the 14th century
The Type B Mom 