For me, turning on Christmas music before Thanksgiving isn’t about the season as much as what it produces.
My husband teasingly rolls his eyes, but I literally smile from ear to ear listening to the melodies of old and new songs of the season. So much so, that I recently put in my earphones and did my entire two hours of grocery shopping listening to the sounds of Christmas– all the while, smiling on the inside, smiling at others in the store, and basically feeling very comforted and peaceful by my simple choice of music.
Joy to the World
I’ve always said Christmas is one of the happiest times of the year. And not just for me as if I live in a bubble oblivious to the rest of the world. It seems everyone, everywhere, has a sense of peace and joy around this special time of year. I believe it’s because of what Christmas stands for– the love of God came to earth to seek and save that which was lost.
Ephesians 5:15-20 says, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The days we live in are crazy, but that doesn’t change God. His Word is still as true today as it was ten centuries ago. So as I filled my ears with the sounds of God’s love sent to earth and the joy it spontaneously causes for those who embrace it, my heart was thankful as it sang and made melody to God. And in return, my eyes saw the world through rose-colored glasses.
I couldn’t help but smile at the tired employee unloading dogfood bags because my heart was singing, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” (He smiled back.) I couldn’t help but hum along to “Feliz Navidad” when I thought I was on an aisle all by myself, only to realize there was a Hispanic shopper behind me who smiled at me first, obviously recognizing the tune.
Music is a powerful medium.
As the tedious chore of grocery shopping was transformed into a delightful experience simply because of what was filling my ears and soul, I had a glimpse of understanding why Heaven will be a place of constant music, praise, and thanksgiving.
What you hear effects how you see.
Despite our surroundings, we have much to be thankful for. And that’s a year-round attitude, not a one-time event. Thanksgiving and Christmas are two of my favorite holidays because of family gatherings. But neither of their real meanings were meant to be isolated to single days. So turn on some music! “Sing songs from your heart to Christ. Sing praises over everything, any excuse for a song to God the Father in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:19, MSG).
And be thankful always.
