I have a confession to make. I broke an unwritten rule last week. Please do not judge me too harshly or think less of me, but I need to put this incident out there. I played Christmas music BEFORE Thanksgiving!
I know, it’s borderline unforgivable. I was working on a project in my office and as I was listening to Pandora streaming, my thumb inexplicably moved to select my station that I had set up for traditional Christmas music. Streaming music can certainly be cool for things like that. Those classic Christmas songs had me singing along and before I knew it, my project was completed.
As I was thoroughly enjoying the songs being played and at the same time feeling like I was getting away with something, it hit me. I began to realize that the “Traditional” Christmas songs were all simple musically and the lyrics were all painting pictures of times that were special yet simpler. No vocal runs or gymnastics, no complicated lyrical patterns to decipher. Just songs about family, enjoying each other and the weather, and a longing to simply be together.
My blog is filled with multiple posts where I opine about simpler times and getting back to basics. I am admittedly an old soul in a now not so young body. However, there is something to “the way it used to be”, “when things were slower and simpler.” Our classic Christmas songs remind me of that. Songs like “I’ll be home for Christmas”, “Frosty the Snowman”, “Jingle Bells”, the list goes on including all the traditional hymns. All centered around family, peace, and thankfulness. As Andy Williams would croon, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.”
Today, we have technology that allows us to video chat with those who are far away and then log onto any number of sites, order the perfect gift and most likely have it on the doorstep the next day. These are great things, don’t get me wrong. From someone with a previous career in retail and thus an automatic aversion to a store this time of year, I am an easy adopter of the tech. Somehow though I feel we’ve lost the simple times of just gathering with family and friends, when stores and businesses would close, and we would truly enjoy the holidays.
Obviously, this is the time to celebrate the best gift of all. The gift of our Savior, Jesus Christ, stepping into this world to deliver us. Even the Christmas story echoes simplicity. Born in a stable, visited by Shepherds, raised by a simple carpenter from a small village. His message was even simple, summed up in John 3:16. Often in our churches we debate and parse verses and doctrines but sometimes in doing so we forget the simple message. God incarnate loves you and gave himself for you to repent and turn to him.
So, use your technology to blast out some traditional Christmas music this Thanksgiving on your Bluetooth device from your Smartphone as you shop online! But please be sure to truly listen to those words. Take time to tell those around you that you love them and care about them. Be thankful for the resources you have. I pray that this holiday season you find yourself with at least 1 “Silent Night” to reflect and in that still, quiet space and time you make it a “Holy Night” as well.
Regular Guy Russ 