christmas music? what?

Every year I go through this apprehension when it comes to Christmas music. Don’t get me wrong, I ADORE Christmas music, and even more, the Reason for it. But everyone is in such a rush to bring in the Christmas season, and I am always worried about hearing the music “too soon”. I’m afraid of it losing it’s magic and appeal if I hear it too soon. And I am always shocked at how fast time is flying by and how the holidays sneak up on me every single year. [I am a “Chrismas Eve Shopper”; one of those insane people who waits until the last possible minute to hit the malls. It is part procrastination, part financial necessity, but it’s all true!]

I listened to some great Christmas music over the weekend (thanks Swanger!) and it felt right. So, I gathered up all my Christmas CD’s, took them to work with me today, and popped a few in periodically throughout the day. The last one I listened to today is one of my favorites—RelientK’s “Deck the Halls, Bruise Your Hand”. Before you laugh at the prospect of Christmas punk music, read the words to my favorite song on the album:

“And with Christmas wish is missed the point I could convey;
If only I could find the words to say to let You know how much you’ve touched my life,
Because,
Here is where you’re finding me, in the exact same place as New Year’s Eve,
And from the lack of my persistence here, we’re less than half as close as I wanna be.

And the first time that you opened your eyes,
Did you realize that you would be my Savior?
And the first breath that left your lips…
Did you know that it would change this world forever?

And so this Christmas I’ll compare,
The things I’ve felt in prior years;
To what this Midnight made so clear
That You have come to meet me here.

To look back and think that this Baby would one day save me.
And the hope that, that You were born, were born so I might really live.
To look back and think that this Baby would one day save me…

And the first time that you opened your eyes,
Did you realize that you would be my Savior?
And the first breath that left your lips…
Did you know that it would change this world forever?

And I…I celebrate the day that You…You were born to die,
So I could one day pray for you to save my life…
Pray for you to save my life…
Pray for you to save my life.”

What makes it all even more wonderful is that it is written in the Ben Fold’s Five--“Brick”--90’s--melancholy--piano--style that I absolutely love. I tear up every time.

The point is, however, is in the reflection. Am I different than I was a year ago? Have I pursued Him the way I so desperately wanted to? Do I take this season for granted; getting caught up in the materialism, or do I remember the simplicity of this supernatural event that changed the world forever?

It is my prayer that I will take every opportunity to reflect on His love and sacrifice for me, and that I will continue to pursue Him in the year to come. He is so worthy of the pursuit! As we worship Jesus this Christmas season, may He give us an deeper understanding of the gift He has given us.