Christmas—it’s under assault. No question about it. From manger scenes evictedfrom public property to schools refusing to use the word, “Christmas.” But I’m not here to complain. No, I’d like to pause…and celebrate.
I wish to celebrate the fact that even as Uncle Sam rushes with sickening speed toward a pluralistic—even pagan–persona, traditional Christmas carols are still heard…virtually everywhere.
It’s true, isn’t it?
We were at a public high school Christmas concert this weekend. What did we hear? Silent Night…The First Noel…Do you hear what I Hear?
We’re shopping at a major suburban Chicago mall, and I’m hearing, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her king!”
At a restaurant, the strains of Hark the Herald Angels Sing plays boldly over the speakers. Christmas—or make that—“Holiday” TV specials still sing overtly Christian Christmas carols. References to Christ, Jesus…King…they’re everywhere—on national television.
More than 11 million people have now seen the Wordless Monks on YouTube performing the Hallelujah Chorus. Amazing. Absolutely amazing.
Now, admittedly, for the vast majority of folks, the music is nothing more than wallpaper. It’s as traditional as egg nogg and the abominable snowman. Yet still, it ought to give us pause.
Pagan America. America that long ago kicked God out of the schools and out of the courts and—increasingly—out of the public square…still has a soft spot for Christmas carols…if only out of habit.
With all that great theology in all those great carols playing to hundreds of millions of people…these lyrics have to get through to someone. Somewhere.
No more let sin and sorrow grow
Nor thorns infest the ground
He comes to make
His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found
Joy to the World!
The Lord is come!