Twas the Tuesday before Christmas and all through the land, the people were wondering what was at hand. To find out the insights, they so desperately sought, the clicked on the blog that had many a thought. The Musical Notes as read bold and bright, were a welcome companion to day or to night. With info on songs and singers galore, folks returned each week to see what was in store. You see there's more than just music to this festive, fun tome. Including today's thoughts about holidays and home...
While today's video by the Carpenter's has become the seasonal favorite by many a younger listener (yes, 50-somethings are included in that category), it was originally recorded by Perry Como in 1954. The stereo version would be recorded by Como 4 years later and once again find success in the charts. It has been covered by the Carpenters, Barry Manilow, Cyndi Lauper and Norah Jones as well as this "surprise" that occurred in Chicago's Woodland Mall in 2011:
The song speaks of the warmth and nostalgia of being at home during times of celebrations such as Christmas and New Years. For many, there are fond memories of joy and happiness that permeate the time spent with family. Today's song joins the other Christmas classic, "I'll Be Home For Christmas" in stirring the heart and causing a longing for what seemed to be simpler times in a safe place. There have been many songs written about home. Home.com has compiled the following top ten list (none of which are Christmas songs, but hey, we could use a break from Perry, Bing, Frosty, and Rudolph right?)
To those of you serving in the United States Military or have family members who are far away from home due to serving this Christmas season, please allow us the honor of dedicating today's Tuesday's Musical Notes to you. Your service and selflessness, especially during this time away from your family, is appreciated and revered. Please know that you and your family members are being lifted up by this blogger and countless other folks with which we connect in prayer.
I recently read a tweet by Senior Pastor of Shadow Mountain Church, Dr. David Jeremiah, that caused me to reconsider the sacrifice that Jesus made in coming to earth, the TRUE reason for this season of celebration. He tweeted, "If you will be away from home this Christmas, remember that Jesus was away from home at Christmas too." While the reality that Jesus was not of this world had been a fixture in the thought processes regarding Christmas, rarely have I given thought to the fact that He gave up "home" to be with us. He gave up the comfort of being in the presence of God every minute. He chose to substitute the Creator for the created. And He did this so that ALL of us could join Him in what will become our home when we place our future in His hands.
You see friend, Christmas is indeed a time for celebration. Unfortunately, the enemy has taken advantage of mankind's nature of greed and selfishness to turn the celebration of Jesus coming and thereby making a home for us in heaven, into a commercialized fantasy filled with continued selfishness and greed. Ever heard the song "Santa, Baby"? But we digress.
Recently, one of my children made a very astute observation. We were watching a Christmas special by a popular singing group and we began the conversation about the religious convictions of each of the members. Through her research she had discovered that some in the group had expressed faith based convictions. Most everyone one of the songs that were performed during the special included a spiritual element, as do many of the songs and carols that dominate the radio during the Christmas season. Her question became, do they really know what they are singing about? She continued to wonder out loud, do you think their passion for those songs are for the music, money, the gig or do they have the passion for Jesus that is emoted as they sing?
This could be said for ANY entertainer that has ever recorded a Christmas album. But it can also be said of us. Think about it. What motivates us to do the things we do at Christmas time? Why do we give to those in which we choose to give?. Do we "have" to go to church or do we "get" to go to church to join with other folks to celebrate Christmas? Are our passions stirred by the incredible stories of Jesus, Mary, Joseph, God, angels, and shepherds or by the favorite seasonal songs that have such a "Christmassy", nostalgic vibe to them? Do we encounter Holy Spirit new and fresh every day as He is transforming us into the likeness of Christ or are we "networking" for contacts to explore after the New Year?
As we go through the days leading up to Christmas, let's be reminded that Jesus gave up His home, so we could have THE ultimate home. He spent Christmas away from His home so we could spend eternity with Him in our heavenly home. And there's no place like THAT home for eternity...
Please take a few minutes and read these accounts of why Christmas is celebrated and focus on the home Jesus gave up while He was here. His sacrifice is THE reason for celebration this season:
Merry Christmas
'Til Tuesday,
Serving HIM by serving you,
Randy
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