The Surprise-Song of Christmas

I remember the look on my wife Lindsay’s face when she told me that we were having our second child, Emma. It was one of surprise, delight, and astonishment, shared with me as I sat on the back porch reading, even while our nine month old slept inside, and as Lindsay’s mother, visiting from out of town, got ready for the day. Needless to say, we were all celebrating a big surprise that day.

A long, long time ago, another baby was born. And while to many it have seemed surprising, this child—this King—had been promised. The prophet Isaiah said it this way, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

And this Child’s announcement was marked by music. Can’t you just imagine? The sound of the shepherds snoozing, snoring away. The sheep, bleating as the mundane evening ticked on. The mild wind blowing through the grass. The lights of the town in the distance.

And suddenly, God struck up the angel band, and the music commenced! “Glory to God in the Highest! Peace on Earth! Goodwill to all!” The simple yet profound song announced the birth of the Savior of the world.

This Christmas, as music fills our homes, schools, and places of work, what if we allowed each song we hear to point us back to that first song so long ago? What if we offered our hours of diligent practice as offering to this Savior-Child? What if we let the music of Christmas point us to the One it’s all about?

We just might be surprised at Who shows up.

Contributor John Woods is the Music & Worship Pastor of the Dawson Family of Faith.