Christmas Music: The Mystery and the Miracles by Sandi Somers

Besides other forms of worship, music has…been ordered by God’s Spirit.

~J.S. Bach~

 

Wise Ones Still Seek Him

Several years ago at our church Christmas concert, a male trio sang, “Wise Men Still Seek Him.” As their beautiful, reverent voices rang out, the chorus left an indelible impression on me (even though I preferred gender-inclusive language—“Wise Ones Still Seek Him”.)

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Wise men still seek Him today

His light still shines to point them to the way

Though fools have said in their heart there is no God

Wise men still seek Him today

 

(You can watch two different versions of the song: the CBC choir.  Or Paul Overstreet’s solo.)

 The best message of the song to me comes from the Wise Men themselves. Who were these men? They were astronomers or astrologers--scientists. They must have been intelligent and highly educated. Perhaps they were wealthy.

 How did they know what the star was telling them, that towards the west, a King was to be born? Scripture tells us nothing except that they were from the East. It has been speculated that the Jewish Daniel in Chaldea (modern-day Iran) had passed down Scripture in some way to the general population. However, the Bible doesn’t give us this information, only that THE MEN KNEW!

Today, God speaks to people in ways they understand, often through their God-given interests. We may not know how God touches a person's life for them to seek Him. But these wise men show us that God was seeking them first. God pursues us, planning “to seek and save those who were lost (Luke 19:10).

These were Gentile men outside of God's first chosen people, the Jews. But God chose them to symbolize how, in a few years, He would open His arms wide to the Gentile world. In the same way today, God reaches out to those who might feel unworthy, who know they have done terrible things, who have made choices they regret.  No matter how we may feel out of God's grace, have made wrong life choices, or turned away from Him, God still extends His love and forgiveness to us.

 The wise men responded to God’s direction to seek Jesus. Theirs was a long journey across the desert, perhaps riding on uncomfortable camels through the heat of the day and tenting in the coldness of the night. Their route took them on a detour to Jerusalem to inquire of King Herod and the Jewish spiritual leaders.

 When they found the baby who would one day be King, they rejoiced. These intelligent, wise leaders bowed down in a gesture that indicated this baby was more esteemed than they. They worshipped Him. They offered Him valuable gifts.

 

 Gold (a treasured and prestigious metal) symbolized Jesus’ Kingship

 Frankincense (an aromatic resin from a tree) symbolized  Jesus’ priestly role

    Myrrh (a tree oil that refreshes, energizes and brings calm) prefigured Jesus’ death and resurrection

 When we come to Jesus, we acknowledge Him, honour and praise Him as our King and Great High Priest who intercedes for us, and we receive new life through His substitutionary death and resurrection.  

 One of the most meaningful lessons for me was how the wise men listened to the Lord. They did not tell King Herod about this new king and their life-changing experience. Instead, God sent them on a different route back to their home.

 When we encounter the living Christ, our lives often lead us in a change of direction. We leave and go another way from the way we came. Our lives have been transformed, and Jesus tells us to, "Return home and tell how much God has done for you" (Luke 8:39)

This Christmas as you hear and sing Christmas carols and attend concerts (if Covid restrictions permit concerts), may you focus on Jesus whom we are celebrating, honouring and worshipping. May you find hope, faith, joy, and peace in Christ, our sinless, pure Saviour.

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 As you think of this month’s blog themes, we have two possible invitations for you.

Image by My All for Jesus

What is your favorite Christmas song? How has it become your favourite? How has the song impacted you? Research its history as to how/why it was written and composed. What insights has it given you about the meaning of Jesus’ coming? (Bob Jones gave us a great introduction in last December’s post: “Mary Did You Know?”, as did Cara Jantzen in "It's All About You, Jesus." and others.)  

 Think of special memories of singing in a cantata or chorale, music you played for Christmas, music from your family, or any other Christmas music idea that resonates with you. Include how that music has impacted you and what message it leaves for your readers.

 

PS: As we finish writing InScribe blog posts for this year, I thank you for your contributions, as bloggers, commenters , and readers. Tracy Krauss wrote in her annual report that this year’s writing has been of the highest quality. Thank you for your wisdom, the way God is leading you, and how your writing is impacting your life and the lives of others.