Celebration time

'It is the most wonderful time of the year.' These are the words of a Christmas song and in truth at the beginning of December the atmosphere in every place is transformed: the streets are decorated with lights and Christmas arrangements, as well as our homes and workplaces; the people are friendly and cordial, the stores cut prices; in families this is a time for reconciliations and special details.

One of the components of this special time, which makes me happy and allows me to enjoy this time is music. Songs of joy are heard with stanzas that invite us to meditate on the glorious time of the birth of the Lord Jesus, our Savior. In our countries of origin we hear Christmas carols (choirs) that pay honor and glory to Jesus. I love attending concerts and cantatas whose central theme is the coming of the Lord. We listen to such well-known hymns as: Silent Night, Peace to the world, Glory in the Heights and many more delight us.

Music was also important on the day of the birth of the Redeemer of mankind. The heavenly hosts recognized and proclaimed the meaning of Christmas. In truth Jesus is the meaning of Christmas; His sacrifice begins at his birth because God himself stripped himself of his royalty by subjecting himself to a human body, devoid of all, and became a servant.

Before having a life of complete surrender to the Lord, I celebrated and enjoyed this time but only heard songs and praises at Christmas and in church. The Lord has given me a new meaning to this celebration and I continue to enjoy the music of praise to God all year long.

Is your home also a place where songs and praises to the Most High resound throughout the year? Well, if this is not a tradition in your home, I encourage you to start this December with the purpose of sustaining the Christmas spirit of glorifying God all year long. Give yourself and your family music that glorifies God that you can listen to at home and when you are driving your car. Music encourages us, moves us, makes us happy and if it is praise to God, it has the power to strengthen us in times of difficulty and anguish, heal us, fill us with peace. Psalm 148 invites the whole universe to praise God: the stars, nature and us too.

In this beautiful Christmas season we declare a time of praise to the name of Jesus receive the wonderful gift of Jesus in your life. Make Jesus your priority, start the year glorifying him, read his word and treasure it in your heart. If you are not in the habit of reading the Bible, start with the books of John, Matthew, Mark, and Luke; the Psalms are good companions in times of difficulty and the Proverbs give you wisdom for daily living. This is the best time to transform and affirm your life in Jesus. And if you already have Jesus, share this gift with others. Remember that we were created to praise and glorify God every day of the year. Blessings and Merry Christmas!