REVISITING OUR SONGS OF CHRISTMAS

With all deference to 'Chestnuts Roasting on An Open Fire', 'Jingle Bells', and the occasional homage to St. Nick and Rudolf, T.R.N.R., I believe Mr. Handel takes the Christmas proverbial cake with 'The Messiah'. It has stood the test of time as music and ministry, and having the privilege of rehearsing it with our own folks, the words along with the remarkable music comes across as very timely. 'Hallelujah' would be appropriate now!

While darkness has permeated so much of our nearby and furthest society, we can 'exhale' knowing we've been adopted by the Almighty, and are never alone, despite the questions the world would stir about us [and inside of us]. With ordered steps we must recall that the adversary is beaten.

In Christ we are overcomers upon His promises! The message of 'The Messiah', from Isaiah, the prophet, is that God offers a response for the darkness covering the earth, and the gross darkness, and deep darkness that ordinary people experience, even invite. The message is that of a coming salvation availed to all, by which His glory shall be seen upon the people, men and women, boys and girls, all ranging from paupers to princes. There is the answer of a coming brightness to confront 'the shadow of death'. His glory shall have us shine. And at some future moment we shall be with Him uniquely.

This Messiah, the Christ, we recognize as Jesus of Nazareth, who now sits on the right of the Blessed Father, as God the Son, the Son of Man. Hallelujah! Let us pause this season with every Nativity scene we encounter, and every song uplifting Him as Emmanuel [God with us]. Especially now, let us not forsake the assembling of each other. Let us enliven 'Christmas' with its biblical roots, and celebrate Him! Let us speak up about the love of God within us to every listener, and bless the Father, the Son, and the Spirit who are God. Let us sing of His goodness with 'life'.

Amen! "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel" [which means God with us]. Matthew 1:23 Hallelujah!

PRAYER: Heavenly Spirit of grace, help us to extend the 'holy' to our 'merry' as we near Christmas, and as we reflect on how the love of God Almighty shows mercy toward us all. This is the cause for joy, for we have received His peace. Amen. All glory be to God. 'Peace on earth, to men of good will'. Amen!
By Dea. McNeal Brockington