When is it okay to start listening to Christmas music? This is not a trick question—I am not the worship police, but I am very aware that we Christians can be particularly judgy about music. For years, I, too, did not want to acknowledge Christmas music in Advent, not least because I love Advent and its hymns (“Comfort, Comfort Ye My People!”).
I know that it is the season of Advent, but Christmas is on my heart and mind. It’s hard to avoid, since, in the words of fictional rock-n-roll legend Billy Mack, “Christmas is all around.” Christmas is on tv, in stores, in our email boxes, and of course, we’re inundated with holiday musical classics.
I once knew an Episcopal priest who was also a dad of young children. One of his daughters disliked their
The way the Magi leave is just as important as the way they came; the world they encountered in Jesus changes everything.
Talking with unchurched grandchildren about matters of faith involves a dance whose steps I’m still learning.
At Epiphany we celebrate that Jesus came as the savior of the whole world.
“The Triumph of the Innocents” reframes the story. Ultimately, Herod lost.
As the detritus of Christmas surrounds us, where do we see Jesus?
On the first day of Christmas, the Lord God said to me, “I have sent Jesus to save thee!”
Yes, we’re still in Advent. But January is coming – and with it always comes a chance to begin again.
