“The Sounds of Christmas”

“And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:9-12

Last week we talked about the “Lights of Christmas” and this week we will look at some of the “Sounds of Christmas.” One of my favorite things about the Christmas Season is the sounds. Everywhere you go you hear Christmas carols and Christmas songs being played. There is something so calming and comforting about that and it creates a world of wonder. There definitely is an air of excitement that you don’t feel or experience at any other time of the year. The sound of children excitedly (and expectantly) rattling off the many things that are on their Christmas wish list.

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Luke 2:13-14

The original sounds of Christmas started on that one Holy Night so very long ago. It began with the sound of the angel’s proclamation about the virgin birth of Jesus. They proclaimed it to the shepherds in the field. The sound of a baby’s first cry. The sound of the animals that surrounded His birth. So many songs have been written and sung down through the ages about this miraculous birth, and I love to hear them sung.

“And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”

Luke 2:20

Bells always come to mind at this time of year too. Bells ringing in the joy of Jesus’ birth. Carolers singing the many songs of the Christmas season. The thrilling sounds of happiness as people rush about with an air of expectancy.

When we look at the world that we live in today, some of that excitement has been replaced with commercialism and political correctness. Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. So sad that they don’t reflect back and realize that it all started in that manger and there would be nothing to celebrate had it not been for Jesus’ birth so many years ago.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

Luke 2:11

(The reason for the season!)

So, as you rush around and listen to the sounds of this Christmas, be sure to remember the real reason for the season. That first sound of a Baby’s cry in a manger that broke the silence. It’s Jesus’ birth so that one day He would give His life for ours and assure us of a home with Him for all eternity. And now we look forward to and listen for the sound of a trumpet and a shout when those who are His will join Him in the sky and take us to our Eternal Home. Praise God! That is the real meaning of Christmas!

The sounds of Christmas songs,

Echoes through my mind

And brings much joy to my heart

As I sing those happy rhymes

But so much more than that,

I think of God's great gift

Of sending Jesus Christ, a babe,

To heal and to forgive

So as we sing with joyful hearts,

Let's think of Jesus Christ

And how He came that first Christmas

To give to us new life.

© By M.S.Lowndes