The Sounds of Christmas

We all have our attachments to the sights and sounds of the Christmas season. Christmas music is certainly one of the key pieces for each of us. Personally, I have to be really ready for Christmas music before I can listen to it. My timetable is a little different each year but when I’m ready, I’m ready.

While I definitely love a great rendition of my favorites like O Holy Night, the unquestionable peak of the Christmas season is Hallelujah in Handel’s Messiah. There is nothing like the power and majesty of that song. The Christmas season just wouldn’t be complete without hearing it a few times - especially with a live choir.

The lyrics of the Messiah come, primarily, from the following passage in Isaiah that point prophetically to the coming of Christ over 700 years before His birth:

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

This verse introduces the “throne names” for Christ - Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Each name is very important in our faith and are interdependent yet interconnected. In other words, He is either all of them or none of them. Only God’s son could fill this throne.

As our Wonderful Counselor, Jesus is not our therapist, but instead is our “Helper” who comes along beside us. We are told this in several places in scripture - particularly in the Gospel of John. As our “Helper,” He provides trustworthy wisdom and daily direction in our lives through that guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Though Jesus would be a descendant of the mighty warrior, King David, he would not be merely a human king but a divine ruler. The name Mighty God means “God is a warrior.” God himself would step into the battle and fight for his people. We need the strength found in a Mighty God to fight these battles. Left to our own, we could not win against such forces of evil, but with Christ we are more than conquerors.

In ancient times, a king was considered the royal father of the nation. The name Everlasting Father does not mean the Father of the Trinity, but a father in terms of being a caring protector of his people. This ruler-to-come would watch over and protect his people. And unlike any of Israel’s previous kings, this king’s dynasty would never come to an end; his is an everlasting rule.

The Christmas season brings songs of peace - something all humanity longs for. Ever since the fall in the Garden, the world has hungered peace. While most earthly rulers strive to maintain peace, this Prince of Peace will usher in real and lasting peace. Through his perfect life and sacrificial death, Jesus Christ would bring peace between man and God. He makes a way for God’s people to come into his presence once again.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).

Peace,

Big E

Matt. 5:6