SnLog 2012.

Every year, I set aside a few hours to scour itunes for some fresh Christmas music. Fortunately, itunes works overtime to prescribe music based upon the music I generally like. As such, if I find even ONE SONG I enjoy, immediately 10 more options that I also might enjoy are suggested to me.

Oh, technology.

So last year, as I did my annual search for music of the yule, I stumbled upon this song by Brandon Heath. And in the midst of all those catchy re-writes by indie bands and Michael Buble’s bluesy tenor, I discovered a real treasure. I found something more than another band trying to make 99 cents on itunes; I found more than a song.

I don’t know if anyone else has ever experienced this, but within the first 8 measures of the song, I knew I loved it. Whether it was the 6/8 time, the sweeping strings, the way Brandon Heath’s voice wove the beautiful story between the narrative melody, or the journey the song created in my own heart…I was hooked.

I am always overwhelmed by songs like this. Songs that are able to bring the whole story together. Because I think sometimes we forget. We forget that this Jesus, this little baby who we celebrate, is the same Jesus who would heal the sick, raise the dead, feed the hungry, give sight to the blind, and die to bring freedom to the world. We sing about stars, wise men, and angels, and forget the disciples, the dove, the lepers, and the cross. We see the holy manger and forget the empty tomb.

The same one who wore the swaddling clothes, will wear those that the sick woman will reach out and touch.

The same one who Mary sings to sleep, will wake up Lazarus from his grave.

The same one who cries through the night, will wipe away the tears of generations.

 It’s all the same story, it’s the same person, the same God, the same hope.

Chris Rice has a song that is another favorite of mine, called, “Welcome to Our World.”

The 3rd verse reads,

Fragile finger sent to heal us,

Tender brow prepared for thorn

Tiny heart, whose blood will save us

Unto us is born. Unto us is born.”

Christmas is the beginning of one story, the middle of another, the end of another.

The beginning of Christ’s work on earth.

The middle of God’s redeeming plan.

The end of the Isrealites’ waiting for hundreds of years for their Savior.

And we’re a part of that story too. Because we’re also part of that redeeming plan.

So when I hear this song and these beautiful lyrics, they remind me that I do not live in the “Night Before Christmas”, I live in the days after. I live in the hope of Christ. The world is broken, and things are torn, but because of this moment, Christ’s birth, everything changes. Everything can be redeemed. That’s the big story. That’s why we sing.

So even when it seems,

“We were so lost on earth, no peace no worth, no way to escape

In fear no faith, no hope, no grace, no light…”

I remember,

That was the night before Christmas.