The Music of Christmas, Prelude

One of the hazards of church music is what we call Christmas-Music-Inoculitus. It is a common problem for those who sing in church choirs, direct music, lead worship, or play an instrument in church. It starts in August as choir directors break out anthems from Christmases past. At first, a subtle warmth washes over victims as the music of Christmas stirs hearts weary after a long hot summer.

By September, the songs have invaded minds. Soon, people hum Away in a Manger as they wander through stores. This, of course, elicits stares from fellow shoppers. In October, around the time retailers hang up holiday decorations, the symptoms manifest in full force and wear down those infected. Around early November, the choir sounds good, but the pleasant feelings inspired by well-loved Christmas melodies are replaced by numbness. Once December rolls around, little hope remains for those infected.

Choirs are not alone in the suffering. Unsuspecting victims can be infected as carols stream over mall speakers, TV ads, and radios. And the great tragedy of the disease is an inability to comprehend the lyrics of the so-familiar songs. While melodies infect the brain, lyrics fall on deaf ears. The message of Christmas becomes little more than an orchestral score playing in the background of a black-and-white film classic. By the close of the Advent season, all anybody wants for Christmas is a silent night.

Music has been part of the Christmas story since Mary first raised her voice in the Magnificat (see Luke 1:46-56). On the night of Jesus’ birth, the angels burst out in song (Luke 2:13-14). Even those wise guys from the east bowed down and worshipped at the feet of Jesus (Matthew 2:11). When describing the birth of Jesus, the Apostle John wrote, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14). Jesus is the Word. He is the Lyric of Life. It is fitting that music would surround the events of His arrival.

Humans sometimes fail with words. We use them to praise God in one breath and curse each other in the next (James 3:10). But the music narrating the miracle of Christmas is more than beautiful melodies. God Himself provided the lyrics to a melody that long haunted the heart of humanity. Like having a song on the tip of your tongue that eludes definition, humanity wandered the earth seeking truth only heard in the hearts of believers. On the night of Jesus’ birth, music poured from heaven and filled the earth.

A long and lonely silence has ended. Christ is the Word to our melody.

The Music of Christmas is a collection of 25 daily devotions designed to help readers cut through the noise of a busy, distracting, and often loud holiday season. It is our prayer that God will use these familiar passages as a reminder of His incredible love. We also pray that your love for Christ and His mission will be rekindled this Advent season. Each day is roughly a five-minute read, including scripture references, brief commentary, and prayer. Devotions are arranged in chronological order to better capture the overarching narrative of Christ’s birth and the Gospel. Entries are not dated, so feel free to use this study however and whenever fits you. Read it alone, with a spouse, in a small group, or with your family around the dinner table. Wherever you happen to be as you open these pages, try to listen beyond the chaos. Tune out those tired jingles and unending marketing campaigns. Ringing down from heaven, even now, is a sweet song that the angels began: “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” That is a message no heart grows tired of hearing.

The Music of Christmas is available in print or digital formats.