(Psalm 96:3)
Many songs of the Advent season are shallow theologically. (This is not even speaking of the secular "jingle-bells" variety -- this is in reference to many of the religious ones!)
Perhaps a significant reason for the superficiality of even the deepest and most profound Christmas songs is that they are not based on Scripture at all. Since very little is told us in the Bible concerning the birth of our Lord (which shows what aspects of our Lord's earthly ministry God considers important), poets, story-tellers, and theologians have speculated and contemplated (and perhaps invented??) details about the event.
There is a particular Psalm which specifically outlines for us what we are to celebrate about the coming of Christ. The 96th Psalm makes a perfect Advent carol:
"Declare his glory among all nations, and his wonders among all people." (Psalm 96:3)
This Psalm calls upon all of the earth to join together in singing praise to God (verses 1-2). And, as we go about our every day activities (especially during the holiday seasons), we are to remind the world in which we live of the salvation Christ came to bring to sinners (verses 2-3).
We are to celebrate his salvation. The good news of the Bible message centers not on his birth but his sinless life, obeying the laws of God (which we miserably have failed to do), and his death in the place of sinners so they can be forgiven and delivered from judgment. We celebrate, not just the miracle of God becoming man, but his decision in eternity past to redeem his own from destruction.
We also are to celebrate his glory. Jesus Christ is the Lord of glory. He is the sinless and holy God before whom all of creation bows in worship and subjection. He it is who is high and exalted upon his throne. The nations are to be pointed to his throne, not to his cradle, to the glory of his crown, or to his angels.
And we are to celebrate his wonders. Our Sovereign is the Creator. He it is who met with his people from Day One, promising his grace. He it is who rearranged all of creation to preserve and protect them. He invaded history and little man's big plans at his birth. And he continues to rule according to his eternal purposes from his throne room today. We are to kneel in his royal hall, not his stable.
That is why we invite others to worship him and turn to him (verses 4-6). We call upon families, kings and presidents, from Northern Michigan to Iraq, from Washington to Warsaw, not to join us around a tree to sing carols, but to bow before the reigning Lord Jesus Christ (verses 7-9).
Let us tell the world that Jesus has come and that nations that call upon him as their God will be blessed (verse 10). Let us join with all nature in praising our King (verses 11-12) and celebrating his kingdom (verse 13). This is what we are to sing about.
We are not told what took place the day our Lord came into this world. Nor are we given the details of a tiny baby, a neatly-swept stable, or the other sentimental trappings which are not important at all. And this is what the world wants to sing about.
Let us sing to the Lord as he has directed. Let us worship this King of kings and Governor of nations for the tremendous salvation he brought and the glorious kingdom he established.
That may not seem very important to many during the holidays. But it will outlast all the lights, ornaments, and decorations. How long? Forever!
Copyright 2003 Roger D. Adams.
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