Christmas music. It usually starts in early November and continues through December 25th. For 55 days, the sounds of the season are almost inescapable, playing over the airways of what seems like every store, car, and office. Some people can’t get enough of the audible holiday cheer, while others, after a while, would prefer to fast-forward to “sounds of Spring.”

But there’s a message worth hearing in many of these Christmas songs.

In a society where talking about Jesus Christ is sensitive and sometimes even restricted, Christmas music is uncensored. For 55 days, the story of who Jesus is and why he came to earth is broadcast everywhere!

Songs of redemption

Consider these all-time Christmas favorites. Contained within their well-known tunes are poignant messages of redemption. We hum along, sometimes not recognizing the magnitude of the words we sing. But valuable truths live there in the stanzas—the reality of Jesus, his majesty, salvation, and the joy he gives when our hearts prepare him room. Think about the bold messages of deliverance in each of these carols:

O Come, All Ye Faithful

“Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to thee be glory given! Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing! O come, let us adore Him…Christ the Lord.”

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

“Hark! The herald-angels sing: ‘Glory to the newborn king. Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled.’”

Joy to the World

“Joy to the world! The Lord is come. Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing…”

So, when you hear a song about the birth of Christ playing at the coffee shop, give gloria in excelsis Deo, meaning, “Glory to God in the highest!” Treasure his words in your heart. And rejoice over the resounding, uncensored truth of the gospel playing loud and clear all season long.

Pray for ears to hear God’s truth

Father, we thank you for the birth of your precious Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for sending him to the world to take away our sin, allowing us to have a relationship with you. Thank you for speaking to us through your holy Word and through Christmas carols that proclaim your hope. We pray for those who do not yet know your unconditional love. We ask you to open ears to hear you, eyes to see you, and hearts to receive you this Christmas season.

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.”

John 3:16