The tree is up, the house is decorated, the cards are sent, most of the gifts purchased (even a few wrapped), and menus are loosely planned. Yesterday I finally got most of my Christmas music uploaded to iTunes and made a playlist for my iPod. By the time I figure the iPod out completely there will be something else . . . alas. I am missing a few of my Christmas CDs which makes me sad. How can you have a rockin' Christmas without Chicago? Dang it!
This morning I've been listening to that playlist. Everything from John Berry singing O Holy Night to someone else singing Dominic the Donkey (heehaw heehaw). Yes, there must be variety or I would surely die. And then came Mercy Me singing their version of The Little Drummer Boy and Casting Crowns singing While You Were Sleeping. Wow. I was blown away by the simplicity and cutting truth of the lyrics.
I don't know about you, but I'm really good at making excuses before God. Lots of times I lean heavily on the passage in Psalm 103:13 & 14. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion on those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. But Mercy Me's version of The Little Drummer Boy has the vocalist singing, "I'll play my best for you, I'll play my best for Christ."
Casting Crowns reminds us in one line how far from Truth we've come and how crazy is this world in which we live. ". . . Looks like another silent night, As we're sung to sleep by philosophies, that save the trees and kill the children . . ." Paul warns us in Colossians to not be taken captive by philosophy and empty deceit.
This Christmas may we bring our BEST to Christ, and may we be salt and light to those captives who long to be set free.
Merry Christmas from our house to yours.
