T’was the week before Christmas in schools ‘round this nation,
Midst lots of clear evidence of our secularization.

Songs about snowflakes and riding in sleighs,
High blood sugar in children – my head’s in a daze!

There are songs about Kwanzaa and Hanukkah’s there, too –
But no songs ‘bout the Christ Child – I tell you it’s true.

We heard songs praising Santa and his little elves.
But songs about Jesus were kept on the shelves.

In the name of diversity, to avoid any fights
True Christian believers have yielded their rights.
(JWasmer Dec 18, 2008)

I read an editorial on the internet a few days ago. The writer had atten
ded a “Holiday” program at a local school the previous day. He described it as “90 minutes of music”. The editorial was aimed at the content of the music, and how cultural changes over the past 20 years or so dictated the thrust of the music. There were lots of songs about Santa, the winter season, silly songs about snowmen, Grinches, and reindeer – but not one song about Christ, or the true meaning of Christmas.

After the program, he asked the music director why there had been no Christmas carols included. “But there were!” replied the musician, who went on to name Santa Claus is Coming to Town and Winter Wonderland.

We sometimes see signs that urge us to “Remember the Reason for the Season.” Some folks continue to try. But in a nation with a populace that doesn’t really think of Christ the other 364 days of the year, what can you expect?

Scattered as we are, I want to tell each member of the Flock – Have a wonderful Christ-oriented Christmas. Say a prayer. Think of His birth. Let His love for you shine all over this earth! His day will come; then it will be our turn.

Dr. G

Soon and Very Soon...

A short time ago, maybe two weeks, maybe three, I was reading a publication from some organization. At this point in time, I don’t recall where I was, how I ended up reading the particular magazine, or even which organization had put it out. About the only thing I recall was a short article describing how some employees of the organization had been encouraged within the organization to develop their musical talents. Three of the individuals had gone on to become part-time professional performers, and the article discussed their successes. One had gone into bluegrass music; the other two had become competent in the blues.

Down through the years I’ve heard a number of blues musicians interviewed on the radio or TV. I’ve heard examples of blues music. It seems that the focus of both the singers and the songs sung is the great trials in life. Perhaps that is why the music genre is called “the Blues” – the tribulations of life always keeps one’s spirits down – as in “I really feel blue today.”

In the Bible, Martha and Mary of Bethany were experiencing “the blues” after their brother Lazarus had died. There was much lamenting and wailing, focusing on the loss and the disappointment brought on by the fact that the family friend, Jesus of Nazareth, hadn’t come in time to do something about their problem.

Even when Christ did arrive, both sisters kept looking over their shoulders, lamenting, “If only you’d been here…” The focus was on the problem, not the solution. In a sense, I think they were blaming Christ for their crisis. How short sighted, but how much so like many of us today. We’re in the blues by choice.

There is a gospel song I’ve heard a number of times. I’ve even sung along to snatches of it while driving down the highway. After reading that article in the magazine, I realized that the song I’ve mentioned contains the solution to the blues. The main thrust of the words is, in a nutshell, “No more problems there, we are going to see the King.”

Soon and very soon – we are going to see the King!
Hallelujah, hallelujah – we are going to see the King!

No more crying there – we are going to see the King!
Hallelujah, hallelujah – we are going to see the King!

No more dying there – we are going to see the King!
Hallelujah, hallelujah – we are going to see the King!

Perhaps, maybe, perchance, there may be a time and place for the blues in this life down here. But for my money, there is ALWAYS time to go see the King. And when that is the focus of our lives, hoo-boy!

Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King!
Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King!
Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King!
Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King!
Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King!
Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King!..........


Have an uplifting day!

Dr. G