Christmas is a Time of Adoration

The re-do of the song Hallelujah with a Christmas theme by Cloverton is a moving summary of the Christmas message. Christmas is a simple story that is reflected in the lyrics of this song. A couple going to Bethlehem expecting a child, no room, born in a manger, angels, shepherds and wise men, a Savior that came to rescue us from our sin. The last lyrics are so powerful: “My sins would drive the nails in you, that rugged cross was my cross too.” Despite the immensity of the universe of stars, galaxies and planets, the birth of God with us is reason for praise and adoration. He is with us to save us from our sin.

I love Christmas music. I just can’t get enough of Christmas songs, with one notable exception: The twelve days of Christmas. Maids milking, lords a leaping and three French hens doesn’t put me in the Christmas spirit. I love the classic songs, the more traditional songs as well as some of the newer songs such as the one I included in this post.  These songs help remind me that Christmas is solely about God. Christmas is about God fulfilling His promises, saving His people, coming to us — as one of us — in Jesus. The truth can be so easily missed: Christmas is nothing but Jesus. And if Jesus is not in Christmas, then Christmas is nothing at all. We should be singing the lyrics from O Come All Ye Faithful; O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. Or the opening lyrics from the song of the same name: Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of Glory, Lord of love. 

Our teaching series during December is called “Christmas Classics.” In this series we will look at the classic songs of Christmas and their application to our lives.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your favorite Christmas song? Why?

2. How can Christmas music help us refocus on the message of Christmas?

3. What if our church decided to “Skip Christmas?” What impact would that have on people or on you?