It's about the Cross!

There's a lot going on these days, and plenty of things coming up that could make me a little sad. Friends leaving (and soon me leaving friends), holiday traditions missed, and loved ones 3000 miles away. I think I've said it before, I never realized how many Christmas songs are kind of depressing until I spent my first Christmas far far from home! Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, I'll be home for Christmas, Christmas Just ain't Christmas, Where are you Christmas?, etc. There are plenty that can get you a little melancholy when you start thinking of those you're not with for the holidays (or ever!). 

But, thankfully, there are some just excellent Christmas songs that leave me pumped up every time I hear them! They help me keep things in perspective and remind me of the reason for the season and the beautiful plan of salvation that Jesus's birth played a part in. In light of Eternity, whatever temporary sorrows I face cannot compare. I though I'd share a few favorites this year so here's one: It's About the Cross- by Go Fish, is wonderful! And if you like a cappella music at all, I highly recommend their entire Christmas album. Enjoy this song here (Note: for those of you viewing by email, you may have to navigate to my blog page to watch the video):

It's not just about the manger
Where the baby lay
It's not all about the angels
Who sang for him that day

It's not just about the shepherds
Or the bright and shining star
It's not all about the wisemen
Who travelled from afar

It's about the cross
It's about my sin
It's about how Jesus came to be born once
So that we could be born again
It's about the stone
That was rolled away
So that you and I could have real life someday
It's about the cross
It's about the cross

It's not just about the presents
Underneath the tree
It's not all about the feeling
That the season brings to me

It's not just about coming home
To be with those you love
It's not all about the beauty
In the snow I'm dreaming of

The beginning of the story is wonderful and great
But it's the ending that can save you and that's why we celebrate

It's about the cross
It's about my sin
It's about how Jesus came to be born once
So that we could be born again
It's about God's love
Nailed to a tree
It's about every drop of blood that flowed from Him when it should have been me
It's about the stone
That was rolled away
So that you and I could have real life someday
So that you and I could have real life someday
It's about the cross

It's about the cross!

As great as the story of Christmas was, like the song says, it's not ultimately the most important part. As you celebrate Christmas this holiday season, remember that the pure and innocent Lamb of God, given life in a manger, would go on to give His life on a cross in payment for our sins. Glory to God in the highest! It's about the cross!