There is good news today! As you've probably noticed the Mayan calendar was wrong, no apocalypse occurred and the earth is still spinning merrily on its axis. Not a great shock to most of us, since as some have pointed out, if the Mayans could predict the future...there would still be Mayans. Yes, yesterday passed much the same as each day has for millenia, since man first walked the planet. In some ways that's very good news... but in others not so much.
Early on, man disobeyed God, brought sin into the equation and the perfect world that God created was cursed. Henceforth we have lived in a fallen world with sin, death, destruction, and sorrow as ever present reminders. If nothing had changed, the earth continuing on in such a state today would be somewhat depressing. Fortunately for us, some 2000+ years ago, the ultimate Good News was delivered:
"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, which is Christ the Lord."- Luke 2:10-11
Check out this great video:
Joy to the world, the Lord is come! We have can have hope and a future because Jesus came to pay the debt we owed on the cross. Christ's mercy and His victory over sin is the best news there could be! What are you going to do with this Good News?
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!
I don't know about you, but I'm not sure how it came to be December. How are we just a couple of weeks away from Christmas?! It doesn't seem possible. With the days flying off the calendar, a mountain of work in front of me, and frequent thoughts about January and all that is coming, I'm having a hard time feeling festive just yet. The one thing that I have been enjoying though: CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!! I love it. I get so excited for my favorite songs and carols every year. So many incredible songs with powerful truth baked right in! Nothing makes me cheerier than some beautiful Christmas music. So if you are in need of a little Christmas spirit yourself, check out this awesome caroling flash mob. Watch all the way to the end; you won't be disappointed!
