It's been years since I feel like I've had a very cohesive thought to put together, but today I finally felt the urge to really write something down. Thanks to anyone still out here, who's willing to follow along.
For me, there are two different categories of Christmas songs - there is the first category; that is the fun, festive, lighthearted songs about the season and all the fun they bring. I love these songs, and play them regularly after Thanksgiving.
Then there is the second category. These songs have been known to leave me standing alone in my kitchen, with hands lifted in surrender and hot tears streaming down my face. They challenge me to have peace, even in a place of turmoil, when nothing seems to go right. They promise hope, when I feel that the world around me is unraveling. They speak of love when I feel abandoned. They tell me to rejoice, when I am struggling with deep hurts.
To me, these songs are worshipful and holy. I am more careful and purposeful when I listen to these songs. They are not just air-fillers while I am baking cookies. They are the very heart of the Gospel message.
They bring me to a place, year after year, where I acknowledge that I have very little control, that the world around me is not as it should be, and that in the midst of all of that, God loved me, and you, so much, that he sent Jesus, who humbled himself, took the lowly form of a baby, and allowed himself to be born in a cave. The magnitude of his sacrifice moves me to such a deeply raw and emotional place. Especially during difficult times; times of loss, unmet expectations, uncertainty and frustration. These songs point me towards the harder moments of following Christ.
A weary world rejoices. (Oh Holy Night)
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death's dark shadows put to flight
(O Come, O Come Emmanuel - especially by For King and Country)
O come, bitter and broken
Come with fears unspoken
Come, taste of His perfect love
(O, Come All You Unfaithful by Sovereign Grace Music - really their whole album, Heaven Has Come)
The Christmas season can be such an emotionally overwhelming time. It can seem like no matter how hard we try, we get caught up in the busyness of the season. It can bring out our more difficult emotions and sadnesses. It can make losses feel stronger. It can cause unresolved situations to weigh heavier.
But these songs about a long awaited Savior, someone who promises to walk with me through the struggles, to whom I can lament without fear of shame - is the true message of Christmas.
Christ is born. For us.
