Sermon Snippet – Christmas: A Season of Song
INTRODUCTION – The birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior, is a season of both prayer and family, as we have studied the last two weeks. It is also a season of song.
1. THE OLD TESTAMENT SONGBOOK CONTAINS CHRISTMAS HYMNS
The Old Testament includes significant specific prophetic statements about the birth of the Savior. For example, a star and scepter would come out of Israel (Numbers 24:17; Matthew 2:1-2); this Savior would be born of a virgin and called “Emmanuel,” or “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25); and He would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; Luke 2:1-7). However, these prophecies are not songs. The hymns of the Jewish people are found in the book of Psalms. These divinely-inspired songs touch on all areas of life, including Jesus’ birth. Psalm 89:1-4 records the promise of God to provide a Savior through the line of David, a promise fulfilled in Jesus (Matthew 1:1). Note that the reign of this King of Kings is “for ever,” unlike that of David, Israel’s greatest king. Psalm 110:1, quoted 18 times in the New Testament, further clarifies that this prophesied descendant of David would indeed be David’s “Lord.” Only Jesus could be the “Lord” of His illustrious ancestor! For centuries, then, God’s people had been singing about the Advent of the Savior. They were singing Christmas songs long before Jesus’ birth, for God was preparing their hearts and minds for this miracle of Incarnation – God the Son, fully divine, fully human.
2. MARY COMPOSED A CHRISTMAS HYMN
Luke 1:46-55 records what is often called “The Magnificat.” In this hymn of praise, Mary uses 12 direct quotations from the Old Testament, as well as other partial references. Some of these usages are from the Psalms, a fact which should not surprise us. Music helps us to remember, and it certainly aided Mary in her memorization of Scripture and in her application of this knowledge to her unique situation. A song of praise was most appropriate – and most impressive!
3. THE ANGELS SANG A CHRISTMAS HYMN
Luke 2:8-14 reveals the angelic message to lowly and lonely shepherds. The word “saying” (verse 13) means “declaring” and does not necessarily indicate a song. However, the cadences of “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (verse 14) are melodiously musical. We know that angels sing (Job 38:7; Revelation 5:8-10), and their praise here is the source for some of our best Christmas songs. A heavenly hymn of joy is most fitting.
4. THE CHRIST OF CHRISTMAS ALSO SANG CHRISTMAS HYMNS
As a Jewish person, Jesus would have sung the Psalms at home with His human family, in the synagogue, and on the way to the Temple in Jerusalem. He would have sung Psalm 89 and Psalm 110. He also would have sung Psalm 118. Matthew 26:30 records that, at the end of the Passover meal, Jesus joined in singing a “hymn.” We know that the last song of the Seder was Psalm 118, including verses 22-24: “The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Yes, as Jesus was on the way to the Cross, as He was within hours of being crucified, He sang, “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Only from the voice of God the Son could this strikingly sad song become one of total triumph, of surpassing salvation.
CONCLUSION – The message of Christmas includes the message of Good Friday and of Easter. The Gospel is clear: Jesus came to die in our places that through faith in Him and His finished work we will live forever with Him in His heaven-haven. Let us trust fully and only in Jesus, and let us be built up in our common faith as we sing the songs of our Lord.