Over the past few weeks, while I’ve been gorging on Christmas music, there have been a couple of songs that have sent me down a rabbit hole of deep thought.
Neither of the songs is new — not by a long shot — but I think this is the first year that I’ve ever really stopped to think about their meaning.
Both of the songs have essentially the same lyrical concept. One of the songs is “Christmas Time” (made popular by 1980s rock star Bryan Adams) and the other is “I wish it could be Christmas every day” (which has been sung by numerous popular artists through the years).
The general message of both songs is, “Hey, wouldn’t it be great if we all kept the Christmas vibe going for 365 days each year?”
And, in theory, sure, most of us would vote for that. But in reality, it’s just not possible. You simply can’t replicate the feelings that most of us have about Christmas unless it is indeed Christmas time.
David Dawson
Sure, you can haul out the holly on some random day in mid-June or you could make some eggnogg in August. But the truth is (and pardon my slang), it ain’t gonna feel like Christmas. With all due respect to Amy Grant, the lyrics to “Tender Tennessee Christmas” just aren’t going to hit us the same way if we are wearing shorts and flip flops.
The beauty and charm of Christmas is entwined with anticipation. The magic of the season lies in the fact that it only comes once a year.
Speaking of which, as a little sidenote, I want to mention the fact that we have a rule at our house: We don’t do anything Christmas related until Nov. 1.
Even though my two boys (much like their old man) are full-scale Christmas enthusiasts, we don’t watch any Christmas movies or listen to Christmas songs, etc., until Halloween has come and gone.
After that, all bets are off. Anything related to Christmas is fair game. Have at it, boys! (Quick, someone get George Bailey on the phone! Tell him that the Dawsons are ready for him. And call up Charlie Brown, Clark Griswold and Kevin McAllister, too.)
But then, come Dec. 31, the rule goes back into place. No more Christmas stuff until next year. Why? Because, like I said earlier, the feeling of Christmas can’t be forced or rushed.
If Christmas happened every day, like the songs suggest, it simply wouldn’t be special or meaningful. Or frankly, even enjoyable.
But wait. Don’t be sad about that. I am about to give you some good news. I am bringing tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
We — as believers — can celebrate Christmas every day. In fact, we should! We are Biblically mandated to do so.
No, I am not talking about wearing ugly sweaters and baking cookies. Rather, I am referring to the joy in our hearts that comes from having a personal relationship with Jesus. It should be evident to others on a daily basis.
The baby, born in a manger, was not simply a one-time event to be celebrated once a year. No! As believers, Jesus gives us peace and joy and hope every day.
We don’t need a calendar to denote the holidays for us. We, as Christ-followers, should make every day a Holy day in the sense that we let our hearts rejoice about the arrival of a Savior.
Even though the Christmas vibe comes only once a year, the joy of the Lord can be, and should be, daily. B&R
