Who? What? Where? Why? When? Life is full of questions--especially this week! I have tried to install and hear music on my Christmas page. Not being a computer guru, it's been fun, to say the least...and I have pestered friends, "Can you hear the music on my page?" The bottom line--others can hear Christmas music just fine at Peggie's Place, not ME! Not yet, anyway!
One night long ago in Bethlehem, some shepherds heard the music--there was no computer hook-up, no installation, no internet provider service--it was pure music from the choirs of heaven. Angels proclaimed, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men."
Did they say it? Did they sing it? I surely do not know. I would like to think it was sounds of joy the shepherds heard. The SHEPHERDS, that is--not the people in the sleepy village below. Sound asleep in their warm beds, they heard nothing. They slept through the most wondrous night of all history, oblivious to the sounds of heaven close by.
In the mad rush of the Christmas season, above the din of the crowds, the roar of traffic, and the wonderful Salvation Army bellringers, do YOU hear it? Pause long enough this December to listen--and you will hear music from another world; music to warm your heart, and enrich your life. Join me--and the shepherds--at the Well; let's listen together!
A Helping Word...or Two!
Sounds of Wonder...It's easy to lose the wonder of Christmas--we're too busy wondering what to give everyone on our list, how far the Christmas budget will stretch, and what we will serve at the party! The shepherds' simple, uncluttered lives had no such concerns--they were caring for sheep, doing their job. In a moment's time, work turned to wonder; the shepherds must have been awestruck at the splendor in the sky, the glorious words that brought wonder to their hearts and souls.
They "heard" the sounds--vocal or verbal--and these special moments, forever sealed in their hearts, carried them to Bethlehem. Their simple world invaded by heaven, they would never be the same again. Oh, the wonder of it all--and down through the ages, the wonder has traveled--to us, in the 20th Century--we pass it on to our children each time we read the Story; light the Advent candles; sing a carol. Keep the wonder of Christmas in your heart--all year long. Its music will warm the dark corners of your life and light up the windows of your soul! Listen closely, and let the music soar!
Sounds of Worship...It's easy to lose the worship of Christmas--we sing the seasonal carols; attend the seasonal cantata; and light the seasonal candles. It can become merely a Christmas ritual; a traditional rite-of-passage to our children, without heart, soul, or worship.
The shepherds' wonder, even their curiosity, turned quickly into worship when they saw the Christ Child. Their hearts responded in a worship experience, unlike any other they had known. Can you imagine? Do you remember YOUR first, or even your last, worship experience, when Christ truly became a REAL, personal Savior to you? Pure worship resulted; you were an adoring, reverent, praiseful child of God.
Ways of worship differ among us, but one common thread weaves into the tapestry of praise we share--we love Him; we adore Him; He is our wonderful Savior and Lord. Don't let the sounds of the season bring a mechanical response; keep it alive and vibrant--rejoice in the God of Creation Who has been made "flesh among us." Adore Him--and let the music soar!
Sounds of Worth! It's popular to talk about self-esteem, or lack of it; it's common to hear of increased depression at the Christmas season. The twinkling lights, decorations, gifts, and parties may bring sorrow; festivities can bring friction; memories can bring misery. You hear no music; the silence is deafening.
The silence on the hillside that night was probably evident as well. These shepherds lived a simple existence, most likely in poverty and plainness. And their worth? Doubt they felt very important--unless designated the shepherd in charge! Suddenly they were men of history and worth, the first people of the world to hear this glorious news. For into that world came the joyful message of the angels--peace on earth, good will to men. The Christ Child born to give peace--and worth to us all!
Whatever your situation this Christmas, you can know worth--because of Him. He loves you, accepts you, redeems you, and gives you hope and joy. Read His Word and be assured of His great love and your great worth. Do not live in the sounds of silence--believe His Word--and let the music soar!
The shepherds heard the music--sounds of worship, wonder, and worth. They believed, they bowed, and they were blessed. And us? It's our choice--to hear or not to hear; that is the question.
The answer? It's up to you--at this Christmas season, and for all eternity, may the music of heaven ring in your soul. A very Merry Christmas to you and yours!
To be continued next week!
And that's just a word...or two, from my heart to yours!
His Healing Word
Bible Gateway.com - Luke+2:1-20">Read the story of the shepherds in God's Word!
