Four Reasons to Enjoy Christmas Music
We are now in the Advent season, moving through the weeks leading to Christmas, the
remembrance of our Savior’s birth. Some families have already begun their Christmas
celebration on the Friday after Thanksgiving. In the midst of all your activities, let’s take a
moment to consider the gift of Christmas music. Some of us so love advent hymns that we wish
we could sing/hear them all year round. Others of us direct a children’s choir or plan the annual
Christmas concert, so the congregation’s expectations cause us so much stress that we can hardly
enjoy the music. Maybe you are a member of your church choir, and you have been rehearsing
the same pieces over and over so often that you are sick of them! Relax for a moment and
consider the blessing and importance of the gift of Christmas hymns.
- The Advent story in the Bible is filled with song.
Luke describes the events leading up to Christ’s birth in rich detail. When Mary, already
pregnant, visits Elizabeth, she magnifies the Lord in a hymn (Luke 1:46-55). It is given the name
“The Magnificat” (“Magnify”) because of the Latin translation of the opening word. Zechariah
reacts to the birth of his son, John, with a prophecy in poetry form often referred to as the
“Benedictus” (Luke 1:67-79). Angels appear in the heavens, praising God in song (Luke 2:14).
Simeon’s reaction to the infant Jesus in the temple is titled, “Nunc Dimittis” for the first few
words of his exclamation, “Now Release” (Luke 2:28-32). Simeon had been waiting for the
promised Christ. We can appreciate his emotional reaction to the realization that he could now
depart in peace because God fulfilled His promise. These early songs are precious to believers of
all church backgrounds, some of whom have set these words to music.
Some of us respond to the Advent story by bursting into song, as did the saints in biblical times.
You should feel free to rejoice with song. Think about Simeon singing aloud in the busy temple
in Jerusalem. As a pastor’s wife, you can help set an example by rejoicing with song alongside
fellow worshippers in your congregation. Your joy will be seen by the Lord and others,
especially if you are on stage, at the piano, or in the front row! - The familiar words and tunes of Christmas hymns anchor us to other cultures and time
periods.
We gain a connection to those who have sung the same hymns in past centuries. For example, “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” uses poetry dating back to AD 275. “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” uses music from 1710, possibly based on Latin antiphonal music in the 12th century. Some hymns use traditional English, German, Polish, or French melodies of an indeterminate age. It is unknown how many years the African-American spiritual “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” was passed down from one generation to another. Famous people contributed to the Advent songbook. The Reformer Martin Luther wrote the words to two carols included in the Trinity Hymnal, and the esteemed musician Johann Sebastian Bach wrote the music for at least one. God calls believers to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16), so, naturally, the subject of Christ’s birth would be included in corporate worship since Bible times. You, as a pastor’s wife, might have a role in playing music in worship. Help the worship team to notice the longevity of these familiar hymns. - Our culture incorporates classic hymns in public settings.
These songs present the testimony of the true reason for Christmas. You might hear these
remarkable words from “O Little Town of Bethlehem” in the background of a movie:
“O holy child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; cast out our sin and enter in; be born in us
today.”
My family recently drove through a light display at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. We were
delighted to hear a Christian song by the Go Fish! Guys contain the words, “It’s called
Christmas; what more can I say? It’s about the birth of Christ, and you can’t take that away…”
When shopping for Christmas gifts at the mall, you might hear, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”
As I write, I’m listening to my classical radio station, where I hear spiritual content sung by
Andrea Bocelli and others. Your local symphony orchestra will most likely perform Handel’s
“Messiah” with soloists and a full choir. Those who attend will hear a clear presentation of
Scripture in song. Thank the Lord for the impact these have on those who hear them.
Perhaps your church presents a Christmas concert during which your husband will present the gospel. Encourage your congregation to invite unchurched friends and family to enjoy the music, knowing they will hear a message and songs filled with the truth they need. - Christmas music affects the people in your home.
Many of the lyrics in Christmas music contain solid theology that reveals the mystery of the
Incarnation. My Christmas baking and gift-wrapping activities always include listening to hymns
and carols. When I was a child, my parents depended on their LP collection of records that
would skip and pop. Now, I can use my smart devices to bring the sounds of Christmas into my
celebration. Take advantage of the accessibility of your favorite musical groups/vocalists/instrumentalists. You may not realize how hearing Christian music in the home can influence your children. One of our adult sons loves to sing the old favorites, although he doesn’t attend church. What a joy to hear him sing these meaningful words from “O Come, All Ye Faithful:”
“God of God, Light of Light; lo, He abhors not the virgin’s womb: very God, begotten, not
created.”
The Lord can use these words to lead a person to faith. Paul encourages allowing God’s word to prevail when he writes: “So faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).
The pastor’s home, like others, can testify to the Incarnation in these well-loved songs and hymns.
Go ahead and enjoy the music of the Christmas season! Remember that the Bible story of
Christ’s incarnation includes praise to the Lord in song. You will join other Christians who have
been singing about the birth of the Son of God for centuries. Rejoice when you hear songs played
in our culture that herald the Advent of the Messiah. Realize that solid theology can influence
your family toward a greater knowledge of Jesus, who came to save us from the punishment for
our sins (see Romans 5:8).
Merry Christmas!
©2023, 2024 Caroline Newheiser. Used with permission.
About The Author

Caroline Newheiser
Caroline Newheiser is the Assistant Coordinator of Women’s Counseling at Reformed Theological Seminary-Charlotte. She has been a pastor’s wife for over 40 years.