So This is Christmas

My favorite Christmas carol seems to be different every year. This year, I have to say that my favorite has been The Twelve Days of Christmas. Everyone in the fam has their own part, and it helps pass the time in the car like no other. Sydney sings “9 ladies dancing,” Abby sings “5 golden rings,” Jace sings “3 french hens,” Luke sings “2 turtle ducks,” (yes, he says ducks), Mike Ross sings “a partridge in a pear tree” in his movie trailer guy voice, and mom covers the rest of them (only because I am the only one who can remember them all). You get the idea—it is a blast and great memory maker. So, hang on. . . my trail of thought is about to get rocky. . . what in the world does this song have to do with Jesus? Really? I am sure I could rack my brain and figure out some spiritual significance to the numbers or just google it, but the truth is, I don’t care. I just like singing it. Just like I enjoy the gift exchanges and Santa’s visit. Yes, I am the typical American celebrating another religious holiday with ‘secular’ traditions. (I am smiling big right now.) And, just when you think you are like everyone else, He steps in. Yep. And, He did it with a Christmas carol, no less. Another song I have heard a million times, but never really listened to. I want to share the verse that spoke to me last Sunday:

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

You are singing it, aren’t you? I want you to hear it like I did. . . “Long lay Lynde Ross in sin and error pining. Till He appeared and her soul felt its worth.” Couldn’t have said it better myself. The reality of my salvation didn’t consist of a hand raised and a prayer prayed. It was feeling valued, really valued for the first time in my life. Insert tears here. He is good. Happy Birthday, sweet Jesus!