Many of us have watched so many Christmas pageants, sang so many Christmas carols, and gazed at so many nativity scenes that we may no longer feel surprise or wonder when we look at the story of the birth of Jesus. But the nativity story is full of unexpected moments, including when Jesus’ mother Mary was surprised by a visit from an angel. What was her reaction to this unexpected messenger? And what does the song she sang in the middle of her fear teach me about trust and about surrendering to God’s will?
What songs are on your Christmas playlist? “All I Want for Christmas Is You”? “Last Christmas”? Or maybe something a little more classic like “Jingle Bells” or “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”? Christmas playlists help us enjoy the holiday season with songs dedicated to Santa Claus and sleigh rides and winter wonderlands. But there are also several Christmas songs that help focus our thoughts on the birth of Jesus. Actually the Bible itself shares multiple songs that announced and celebrated the arrival of the Son of God into our world. This Christmas season at Flagstone, we are going to discover those ancient “Christmas Playlists,” and we are going to recognize that the messages conveyed in those celebrations still contain truths for us today.
