I realize I make many folks crazy this time of year with my constant chatter about Christmas music and Christmas talk. I thought I'd share with you all my reasoning for my love for the season and why frankly I'd love it if Christmas season were year round!
The reason I celebrate Christmas is because of Christ, not gifts. I love Christmas because I love Christ, not gifts. I like getting gifts, sort of, but I LOVE giving them. Really. What I love most about the season is how much it makes me focus on Christ. Throughout the year it is a daily reminder to myself that this life is NOT about me. It's not about my hopes and dreams, it's about His hopes and dreams for me. So my mind often struggles to look to Christ each day and seek out His will and His heart. During the Christmas season though I find it extremely easy to seek Him. It's everywhere around me. When I turn on my radio, when I think of the gifts I'm giving this year and even when I'm baking. After all, as I have mentioned in earlier posts food and eating is sooo biblical.
Mostly though my heart is focused on Him when I listen to Christmas music. Did you realize that most music we listen to between December 1st and the 25th is actually not " Christmas" music but beautiful hymns rich in history and worship? I'm fairly certain they have become "seasonal" due to our lust for more commercial and more about us. Why else would people get so crazy about playing Christmas music before Halloween? It reminds them of spending too early. It reminds us that we only have 50 shopping days.  It should remind us of Him, and His sacrifice.
Have you ever seen or heard Handel's Messiah?? When I hear the Hallelujah Chorus I can not help but shout at the top of my lungs, "FOREVER FOREVER HALLELUJAH!!! KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS!" Right? Anybody else? Yes, my kids shrink down a bit in the car when I'm belting that out. Usually I'm alone. Think about it. If you know Jesus, is there a better sound than a hundred voices singing that chorus? Who cares if it's July 1st? It's says FOREVER, HALLELUJAH! Not, "It's DECEMBER! HALLELUJAH!".
Please forgive me for my passion and zeal for this season. It's the one time of year even people who don't know the Lord are singing about Him. It is a wonderful time of year. We are all so much more thoughtful, cheerful. I get so tickled when I hear the music at the market too. It makes everyone shop a little more happier. Why? Not because they are singing a Christmas song in their heads, but because they are singing about CHRIST. When our minds are fixed on Him, our attitudes change dramatically. Whether you like it or not that's what the season is all about.
Just ask Linus.
Please enjoy the link before. It's a bit unorthodox though I imagine Handel would have loved to see his piece sung at Macy's.
 http://youtu.be/wp_RHnQ-jgU