I’m not a big fan of the “no Christmas songs before Thanksgiving” rule. Our hymnal is filled with Christmas hymns that are musically beautiful and theologically rich, and they bring together believers of just about all traditions. We should sing these carols more often. I’m sure many of you agree. And I think it’s important to remind ourselves throughout the year of the truths of Christmas. As Lutherans, we focus much of our time and attention on the cross and the resurrection. And for good reason. The sacrificial death of Jesus means everything to us and needs to be proclaimed and protected. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (I Corinthians 15:17). But the birth of Christ is very much a part of this salvation story. And the lines of many of our favorite Christmas carols are packed with scriptural truths about the significance of that first, miraculous birth. Here are some... read the rest. Lutheran A...
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