A Time of Celebration
Author
Fanny Rodríguez
Summary: Christmas transforms the atmosphere and invites us to celebrate with joy, reconciliation, and music that honors the birth of Jesus. He is the true meaning of this celebration: God laid aside his royal status, took on a human body, and became a servant to save us. I used to reserve songs and praises for Christmas and church, but now I enjoy praising God throughout the year. Let us also make our homes places of praise, for this music can strengthen us, comfort us, and fill us with peace. Let us receive Jesus, give him priority, read and treasure his Word, and share this wonderful gift with others.
'It’s the most wonderful time of the year.' These are the words of a Christmas song, and indeed, as the month of December begins, the atmosphere everywhere is transformed: the streets are decorated with lights and Christmas ornaments, as are our homes and workplaces; people are kind and cordial, stores lower their prices, and in families this is a time for reconciliation and special gestures.
One of the elements of this special time that brings me joy and allows me to enjoy the season is music. Songs of joy can be heard, with verses that invite us to meditate on the glorious time of the birth of the Lord Jesus, our Savior. In our countries of origin, we listen to Christmas carols (choruses) that render honor and glory to Jesus. I love attending concerts and cantatas whose central theme is the coming of the Lord. We hear such well-known hymns as: Silent Night, Joy to the World, Gloria in the Highest, and many others that delight us.
Music was also important on the day the Redeemer of humanity was born. The heavenly hosts recognized and proclaimed the meaning of Christmas. Indeed, Jesus is the meaning of Christmas; His sacrifice begins with His birth because God Himself laid aside His royalty, submitting Himself to a human body, stripped of everything, and became a servant.
Before living a life of complete surrender to the Lord, I celebrated and enjoyed this season, but I listened to songs and praises only at Christmas and in church. The Lord has given this celebration new meaning for me, and I continue to enjoy music that praises God throughout the year.
Is your home also a place where songs and praises to the Most High resound throughout the year? Well, if this is not a tradition in your home, I encourage you to begin this December with the goal of keeping alive the Christmas spirit of glorifying God all year long. Give yourself and your family the gift of music that glorifies God, which you can listen to at home and while driving your car. Music encourages us, moves us, and brings us joy; and if it praises God, it has the power to strengthen us in times of hardship and anguish, heal us, and fill us with peace. Psalm 148 invites the entire universe to praise God: the heavenly bodies, nature, and us as well.
During this beautiful Christmas season, let us declare it a time to praise the name of Jesus. Receive the wonderful gift of Jesus into your life. Make Jesus your priority; begin the year by glorifying Him, read His Word, and treasure it in your heart. If you are not in the habit of reading the Bible, begin with the books of John, Matthew, Mark, and Luke; the Psalms are good companions in times of hardship, and Proverbs gives you wisdom for daily living. This is the best time to transform and establish your life in Jesus. And if you already have Jesus, share this gift with others. Remember that we were created to praise and glorify God every day of the year. Blessings, and Merry Christmas!