The True “Christmas” Song

Surrounding the time of the birth of Jesus, four songs (or canticles) expressed the joys and hopes of His first coming (also called the First Advent). Four were sung. One by a Jewish woman, two by Jewish men, and one by angels:

1. Mary’s “Magnificat” in Luke 1:46-55.

2. Zechariah’s “Benedictus” in Luke 1:67-79. He was John the Baptist’s father. 

3. The angels’ “Gloria in Excelsis” (Luke 2:24)

4. Simeon’s “Nunc Dimittis” (Luke 2:29-32). The words are Latin and means, “Now let depart.”

Simeon had been told, in Luke 2:26, that he would not die before he saw “the Lord’s Christ” (Hebrew “Adonai Meshiach”). 

Should we also sing songs that keep Jesus in our focus and arouse praise for Him in our hearts and thanksgiving with our lips (Heb. 13:15), rather than songs that EMPHASIZE romance with our spouse or significant other, materialism (gifts), gatherings without anyone acknowledging His provision of the precious gift of salvation, or church services with impressive “Christmas” programs without an invitation to believe on the Lord Jesus as Savior?

Let’s keep our eyes focused on Jesus, love Him more with our hearts, and audibly worship Him with our lips. Merry First Advent!

Blessings!