The Power Of Christmas Music

I love Christmas music.
My current playlist is 44 hours and 31 minutes long. One reason why is the deep theological truths that are wrapped up in the lyrics.

For example:
"Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, hail the incarnate deity,
Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus our Immanuel."

Angelic music helped welcome the Savior on that first Christmas (Luke 2), and has been an important part of the season ever since.

St. Nicholas himself even experienced this.
At the Council of Nicaea in the year 325, Bishop Nicholas of Myra debated Arius on a foundational truth of Christianity: whether or not Jesus is eternal. Nicholas defended the divine, eternal nature of Christ with Scripture (see John chapter 1).

But Arius chose a different tactic. He used music to try and gain popular support. His most well-known song contained the lyric:
"There was a time when He (Jesus) was not."

Through music Arius led many astray in theological error.
(Legend tells us that Nicholas not only used his words to fight Arius, but also his fists. We’re not sure if this is historically accurate, but it is definitely a funny visual to imagine at Christmas time.)

There’s a clear lesson for us today:
Music is powerful and plays an important role in the Kingdom of God.

This is why we carefully examine all of the music we play in our worship services. We want to make sure the lyrics are biblical and accurately describe our God.

Unfortunately, not all “worship” music today is about God. Many contemporary “worship" songs are focused on ourselves, our struggles, and our feelings. But when we gather together for corporate worship we should sing songs that magnify our God’s character and rejoice in His accomplishments.

I’m so thankful for artists like CityAlight, Keith and Kristyn Getty, Matt Boswell, and Matt Papa. We play many of their songs at our church, and they are committed to writing Christ-centered songs with deep theological truths.

If you’ve never checked out their music, make that one of your New Year’s resolutions.

I hope that you have a Merry Christmas filled with powerful, Christ-exalting Christmas music.

Pastor Colby