More than ever we need Christmas. Now.
Don’t you feel it?
One of my favourite Christmas songs makes the point.
“We need a little music, need a little laughter,
Need a little singing ringing through the rafter
And we need a little snappy, happy ever after
We need a little Christmas now!”
As the world groans under the weight of a pandemic, all of us are in the mood for a “little snappy happy ever after.”
Most every Christmas season when I was the pastor of Central Tabernacle and host of the Singing Christmas Tree, this song was a part of the choir’s repertoire. It's not religious in any way but the song speaks to the heart of a worry weary world.
"We Need a Little Christmas" originated from the Broadway musical Mame, and was first performed by Angela Lansbury in that 1966 production. The song is notably featured at the very beginning of A Muppet Family Christmas.
In 2020 we could all use a LOT of Christmas.
Our world is crying out for the healing and peace that is inherent in the birth of the baby in the manger.
We need a hefty dose of peace and goodwill toward all.
We need good news of great joy.
We need to know that “Jesus is the reason for the season” is not just a trite saying but the why behind Christmas.
We need the Christmas spirit now more than ever.
The reality of life is that the gift we need comes not in the shiny wrapping of a package but in the presence of God.
I agree with Rev. Susan Sparks, pastor of Madison Avenue Baptist Church in New York City. "For 364 days of the year, we are bombarded by news of the inhumanity of the world: the violence, racism, hatred and callous disregard. On this one day, we are reminded that in addition to the inhumanity, we as a people carry a spark of hope and joy."
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:7-12 (NIV)
Merry Christmas!
We Need A Little Christmas
Haul
out the holly
Put up the tree before my spirit falls again
Fill up the stocking
I may be rushing things but deck the halls again now
For
we need a little Christmas right this very minute
Candles in the window, carols at the spinet
Yes we need a little Christmas right this very minute
Hasn't snowed a single flurry, but Santa dear we're in a hurry
Climb
down the chimney
Turn on the brightest string of lights I've ever seen
Slice up the fruit cake
It's time we've hung some tinsel on the evergreen bough
For
I've grown a little leaner, grown a little colder
Grown a little sadder, grown a little older
And I need a little angel sitting on my shoulder
Need a little Christmas now
For
we need a little music, need a little laughter,
Need a little singing ringing through the rafter
And we need a little snappy, happy ever after
We need a little Christmas now!
- ISWC T-070.201.609-8
