We willingly admit that the Christmas season gets way too busy. But still we strive to achieve self-imposed levels of Christmas perfection; hoping to fill inward longing with outward activity. We risk missing a special and needed gift crafted just for us: the songs sung from the heart of God.
Activity is not an effective substitute for the longing of our hearts.
The first Christmas after mom’s passing was understandably challenging for all of our family. As was typical, I allowed myself to feel responsible to ease the weight of grieving for my invalid dad and for the rest of the family.
As I worked to make the season cheerful for others, I secretly longed to be reassured that someone was thinking especially of me.
One night several cars pulled into the driveway. A group of neighbors had arrived for their annual caroling. Singers of all ages packed into our small kitchen, surrounding the table where I was sitting with my dad.
Rich, a-Capella harmonies transformed our kitchen with a beauty of sound rivaling that of a mass choir singing in the most acoustically correct cathedral.
My tears flowed. I was not merely hearing music; I was being wrapped in a blanket of comforting sound; God was singing over me that I was not forgotten.
God’s song sings strongest when our hearts are quietest.
“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
We make much of singing in worship to God. And we should. We anticipate singing His praises in eternity. And I believe that we will. But I also wonder if from time to time, the celestial song leader will lift his hands to silence the praises lifting from the masses of the created ones. And I wonder if in the ensuing Heavenly silence, we will hear the song sung by our Creator.
I easily imagine that song, although coming from one Voice, being a song of harmonies at once complex and yet astonishingly simple. A song from the Father’s heart that surrounds and wraps each of His children in the comfort of His personal love.
Listening for God’s song.
But we’re not in heaven yet. We still live in this craziness we call “life”. Will we make the deliberate choice, now, to still our hearts to listen to God’s song of love? To follow His admonition to “be still and know that I am God”? (Psalms 46:10)
If we do, how will we hear God’s song? We expect to hear Him speak through His word. But if we really listen, will we hear Him sing in a rich variety of genres? Perhaps in the beauty of a sunset, the smile of a stranger, the taste of a really good dessert, or the hug of a friend.
Maybe we’ll hear Him singing His love over us as we view our nativity scenes and are reminded that Jesus’ life also included a cross and an empty tomb.
As you listen for God’s song this Christmas, how are you hearing Him sing?
If you are reading this post by email and would like to comment, please click here.
After reading this post, I made a conscious decision to SLOW DOWN today. Yes, we still had a homeschool Christmas program to go to tonight, but I allowed the rest of the day to have a little breathing room. By the time I got to the program, my heart was quieter, and I was able to soak in the music of the evening. During one of the piano numbers, I closed my eyes and was able to listen with my heart and hear Him sing. Thank you for this reminder. I don’t know that I would’ve faced the day in the same way had I not read this.
I’m glad this has encouraged you. I’m being reminded, after writing this post, how tough I find it to be still and enjoy God’s song and care.