12/25/2022
Christ, The Reason To Sing
One of my favorite worship songs is entitled, "Reason to Sing"(1). The first verse and chorus are as follows:
When the pieces seem too shattered
To gather off the floor
And all that seems to matter
Is that I don't feel you anymore
No I don't feel you anymore
I need a reason to sing
I need a reason to sing
I need to know that You're still holding
The whole world in Your hands
I need a reason to sing
Christmas season has the ability to bring up a lot of emotions. We sing a lot of joyful songs and attend merry festivities, but in our minds and hearts we are asking if God has even seen the suffering and confusion if the past year. There seem to be quite a few reasons not to sing.
Your financial struggles have only grown worse.
Your health is declining more rapidly.
Your besetting sins still have a hold on you.
Your plans fell apart and you don't know what to do next.
The world crises are looming larger.
Your unsaved relatives are more resistant to the gospel than before.
Sometimes, we can't seem to find a reason to sing.
In Luke chapter 1 we find Mary, the virgin mother of Jesus singing a beautiful song that we call the Magnificat following the announcement to her of Christ's birth through her.
At this time in Israel's history there was not much to sing about either. Israel was being ruled by a pagan nation and the people were divided by schools of thought and social class. What happened to the promises of God that Israel would reign over the nations? What happened to the promised unity and rest? In the midst of this waiting, the Savior is promised to be born of Mary. Mary understood the significance of this and by the Holy Spirit reminds us of three reasons to sing.
1. We Have A Savior
"and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior."
Luke 1:47(ESV)
The reality of our sin debt has been paid for by Jesus. Our greatest need this year has been met by Jesus through his death on the cross. Never lose sight of how great this gift is. We were not decent people who needed an improvement. We were dead sinners who needed to be brought back to life.
2. We Have a God Who Sees Us
"for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;" (Luke 1:48)
We can rest assured that God sees our tangible needs, our emotional struggles, and our fightings against sin. When we are tempted to wonder if he is with us let us look to the cross. Because He cried out, "My God, My God. Why have you forsaken me?" we can confidently say, "He will never leave me nor forsake me." When we look back over our lives we can trace the hand of God's design even in trial and we can say we are blessed. Things are not perfect but they are blessed. Therefore, let us be humble before our God.
3. We Have a Righteous Judge.
"He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate;" (Luke 1:52)
In today's world where evil reigns and wickedness triumphs we often wonder if God is watching. We can rest assured that although Christ came the first time humble and mounted on a donkey to save, the second time will not be as gentle. The second time He comes, it will be on a horse to carry out justice and vengeance against sin and evil doers. He will make things right, and we will rule and reign with Him.
Although there are many reasons not to sing this Christmas day, Christ and His work gives us the greatest reason to sing. He is the reason for this season, and He is the reason we can sing.
"and at night his song is with me"
(Psalm 42:8b)
(1.) "A Reason to Sing" by Alli Rogers, David Leonard, Leslie Jordan. Integrity Music.
