Friday, December 12, 2008

... in Bethlehem was born the Son of God by name... by Jenn


You can tune your radio to a Christian station any day of the year and hear Christians singing to and about God. But for a few weeks each year we can hear something really spectacular -- secular artists singing praises to their Maker.
O holy night
The stars are brightly shining

It is the night

Of our dear Savior's birth...
Why is this so neat? I believe their voices on these Christmas songs prove that each and every one of us was made to worship God.
Long lay the world
In sin and error pining

'Til He appeared
And the soul felt its worth...
You can find many artists singing traditional songs written to celebrate the birth of Christ, and some of the most beautiful, most moving versions are by men and women who have never publicly claimed to know or follow Jesus.
A thrill of hope
The weary world rejoices!

For yonder breaks

A new and glorious morn!
One wonders how you could sing the words of these songs and not be moved by them. Maybe we've heard them too many times. But these songs are the Gospel in musical form. I believe they must penetrate the heart on some level.
Truly He taught us
To love one another

His law is love

His gospel is peace...
There is one song in particular, a medley of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "We Three Kings" that especially stirs my heart. The song is sung by BNL (for short) and Sarah McLachlan, musical artists who are not in any way known for loving Jesus. But you know when you hear Sarah sing the words, "Glorious now, behold Him arise/ King and God and sacrifice/ Alleluia, Alleluia..." that her voice has never sounded more beautiful.
Chains shall he break
For the slave is our brother
And in His name

All oppression shall cease...
We were made to worship Him.
Sweet hymns of joy
In grateful chorus raise we
Let every heart

Adore His holy name...
Only Him.
Christ is the Lord!
Oh praise His name forever!

His power and glory
Evermore proclaim!
Kinda makes you want to fall on your knees, doesn't it?