Mondy, December 5
Isaiah 11:1-12:6 and 2 Peter 2:1-22
Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.
We read those words written by Martin Luther and ponder why this might be the case. This famous quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow provides an explanation. Music is the universal language of mankind.
All cultures utilize music as a form of communication and representation of the spiritual and human experience. Music is used to express love, adoration, grief, frustration, anger, and joy. Music can touch an inner part of our being that can defy logical explanation. And arguably, music can be at its most poignant when used to express truth.
The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is truth. The righteousness, glory, mercy, and justice of God the Father is truth. The unending, unfailing love that our Heavenly Father has for his children is truth. The ultimate sacrifice of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross for the sake of mankind’s salvation is truth.
At Christmastime, we have the honor to exclaim God’s truths through time-tested carols and hymns. Songs like “Silent Night,” “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” “What Child is This,” and “O, Holy Night” are just a few of the selections in the Christmas song canon that are rich with Christ-proclaiming texts and memorable melodies. These songs are well-known and beloved by believers and unbelievers alike.
In Isaiah 12:4-5, we are instructed to …Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth.
During this season of Advent leading us to Christmas, I charge each of us with a call to carol (regardless of whether you believe you have the vocal prowess to do so!). We have the sacred opportunity to sing songs of praise, adoration, wonder, and delight about the birth of our Lord Jesus, to make music that brings the joy of Christmas to all who will hear, and to thank the Lord for loving us so much that He gave us His only begotten Son!
KARA ALFANO
Academic Advising, CUAA
About this series
“Advent Anticipation: the arrival of our Savior” is a sampling of biblical meditations composed by members of the CUWAA community. It is our prayer that you will take time during the Advent season to read and reflect upon God’s Word and await the coming of Jesus with newfound enthusiasm and anticipation through the Holy Spirit.