Out of all my favorite Christmas memories, perhaps my favorite memory isn't one specific moment but a consistent theme connected with all my Christmas memories: Christmas music.
This year, I have been overwhelmed by old Christmas songs. I'm referencing the classics, not so much "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree", even though I like that song a lot. I want to focus on not only the songs themselves, but the idea that they are widely accepted and even celebrated in our culture. If you think about it, that is extremely noteworthy.
Let me give you an example: The First Noel, (originally The First Nowell - The word Noel comes from the French word Noël meaning "Christmas", from the Latin word natalis ("birth"). Granted this song may be heard in churches, cantatas and other ceremonial holiday events but even in a living room, around a campfire or a Christmas party, most everyone who hears it accepts it, and perhaps celebrates the spirit of the song. (Or at least what our culture has transformed the spirit of this song and many others to mean.)
The last sentence I just typed, is crucial to understand my point. Regardless of beliefs or opinions - it would be hard to argue that Christmas in our culture is surrounded with commercialism. And I also tend to believe that should an artist today pen a song concerning a pregnant teenager who was rumored of giving birth to Jesus in a barn, it would most likely not be accepted or celebrated now or later.
I know, it's not fair to say that as fact, because we can't predict the future and I guess it very well could happen, but I admit I'm skeptical. Why? Because almost anything publicized connected with Jesus is scrutinized heavily today. It's offensive or unconstitutional. Stick with me for just a second. Can you imagine Taylor Swift (I beg your mercy...but I have to make a point) coming out with a well written song that details a historical event about the story of Jesus being born, some elements of why sources explain that he had to come to earth, and perhaps even some biblical opinions of the consequences of his life and death here on earth? She could kiss her career goodbye. (tears streaming)
Perhaps the most unique, (and supernatural in my opinion), thing is that these old Christmas songs are still wildly popular today. They still make money galore. People buy CD's, iTunes music etc with songs that have a whole lot to do with spiritual things regarding the birth of Jesus.
I'm so glad Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote a poem called "Christmas Bells" during the harsh civil war even when his world was crumbling, because we now have a song called I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. In the 18th Century we got The First Nowell. Again in 1833 Sandys published God Rest You Merry Gentlemen. In 1710 Psalteriolum Cantionum Catholicarum, Köln published O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. If it weren't for these people we simply wouldn't experience Christmas as we know it. And years from now, no one else would have songs like them to enjoy either...because no one can, or will write them today and no one can, or will publish them today. It's a remarkable thing. Or at least it is for me.
Maybe when you hear O Come all ye Faithful, or Silent Night, or Joy to the World this year you'll hear remarkable music, rich history and a mysterious wonderful sound that has been alive for many years and will live for many more.
