Christmas
Christmas is a time for traditions, and one of those traditions is Christmas songs. When I was a pastor in Michigan, a group from the church would go Christmas caroling at the houses of shut-ins and some elderly members. It was always well-received. The songs that are sung at Christmas time speak of traditions, family, friends, loves and in some cases God. A personal favorite song of mine is “Please come home for Christmas” (especially the version sung by the Eagles). I also enjoy the duet of “Little Drummer Boy” that Bing Crosby and David Bowie performed.
The church has its tradition of hymns that proclaim the birth of Christ. Liturgies and hymns are the language of the Church, proclaiming God’s love and the redemption we have in Christ. In Advent, as we prepare for the birth of Christ, we sing the hymn “Comfort, Comfort Ye My People” which is based on Isaiah 40:1. It was written by the great Lutheran hymn-writer Janohann Olearius.
As we draw closer to Christmas, we sing “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come”, written by Martin Luther. In verse 2 the fullness of the Gospel is proclaimed: “To you this night is born a child of Mary chosen virgin mild; This little child of lowly birth shall be the joy of all the earth.”
On Christmas Eve, language of the church is sung in all its beauty. Hymns like “Away in the Manger” and “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” (a beautiful hymn) are sung, inspiring love for God and thankfulness for the redemption we have in Christ. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services often conclude with “Silent Night, Holy Night”, one of the most peaceful hymns ever written. The hymns of Christmas proclaim the Gospel and the true meaning of Christmas, and the peace which passes all understanding.
In Christ,
Rev. David L. Putz, Pastor
Holy Cross Lutheran Church (LCMS)
Crawfordsville, Indiana
Good things are happening at Holy Cross! Praise God for that. When we keep Word and Sacrament ministry at the heart of what we do, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is sown. As we share the Word, God gives the growth and we rejoice as humble stewards of the God who changes lives and hearts. Help us always, Lord, to keep Your Word at the center of our life together under your Holy Cross!
Please continue to pray for our congregation and each other. Don’t forget to visit our church website www.holycross-crawfordsville.org to find links for all our services on YouTube.