The Christmas season is somewhat of an amazing time of year because almost everywhere -- on radio, television, in shopping malls and stores, at school concerts -- are the sounds of Christmas hymns and carols. People who otherwise would not hear, play or sing such statements of profound truth are hearing them continually and sometimes even singing along.
People are hearing ancient hymn lyrics like: "Oh, come, Oh, come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel."
They hear of the Son of God, Emmanuel, God with us, who appeared to ransom His captive people and will come again to judge this world.
They may even sing along -- at least in their hearts -- words like: "Oh, come, all ye faithful, triumphantly sing; come, see in the manger our Savior and King. To Bethlehem hasten with joyful accord; oh, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!"
Imagine, people everywhere singing and confessing in the songs of the season that the babe born in Bethlehem and laid in a manger is none other than the promised Messiah, the Christ, and the Lord God Himself in human flesh to be our Savior and King.
People hear and may hum along to the singing of "Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight; glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing, Alleluia. Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born!"
They hear choirs singing "Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room and heaven and nature sing."
Do you see what I mean? Even if they do not believe, even if they have never been taught from the Bible, even if they otherwise would never entertain such religious proclamation, they hear and may even hum or sing along of the truth that God sent His only-begotten into the world to ransom and save mankind. They confess, though possibly unwittingly, that Jesus, the babe born in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago, is the Lord, Jehovah God Himself, the "King of kings and Lord of lords" who "shall reign forever and ever."
They hear and sing "Hark! the herald angels sing, 'Glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!' Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies; With the angelic host proclaim. 'Christ is born in Bethlehem!' Hark! the herald angels sing, 'Glory to the newborn King!' Christ, by highest heaven adored. Christ, the everlasting Lord, Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of a virgin's womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail the incarnate Deity! Pleased as Man with man to dwell; Jesus, our Immanuel! Hark! the herald angels sing, 'Glory to the new-born King!'"
Again, imagine people who would kick God and the Bible out of schools, government and public places hearing and maybe even singing of the birth of a God-man Savior who reconciles God and sinners through His cross and creates peace between God and His fallen creatures! Imagine agnostics, atheists and the apathetic hearing and celebrating the birth of a God-man Savior! Isn't it amazing?
The sad thing, of course, is that so many who hear and even sing these words don't grasp their truth and don't take hold of their meaning. They continue on with their lives oblivious to their sinfulness and oblivious to the salvation God provided when He sent His Son into the world. Though God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son to redeem and reconcile them, they turn away from His gift!
And, of course, when Christ the Lord comes again in judgment and to establish His everlasting reign, who will be able to say, "I didn't know; I never heard"?
Randy Moll is the managing editor of the Westside Eagle Observer. He may be contacted by email at rmoll@ nwadg.com. Opinions expressed are those of the author.