Hymn of the Heart
A shout of “Joy to the World”, with a robust “Angels We Have Heard on High”, followed by a sweet “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem,” then a passionate “Oh Holy Night,” and finish it up with a serene “Silent Night.” Or maybe you prefer a little burst of “Jingle Bells” coupled with “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree.” The kids definitely won’t go without a little “Frosty the Snowman” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Either way, I know very few that don’t love these melodies! In fact, some of you have been enjoying these songs for months already(you know who you are!).
Many of the traditional carols depict the miracle of the Christmas story in vivid detail. We sing them during church services and family seasonal gatherings. We carol them to our neighbors. Children sing and play these songs during Christmas concerts or plays at church and school.
The Gospel of Luke records a few Christmas “tunes” in his narrative of the birth story of Jesus. Many resources refer to these as hymns, which are defined as “songs of praise and thanksgiving.” Mary’s song begins after her visits with the angel Gabriel and Elizabeth in Luke 1:46-53. Zechariah regains his voice, names his newborn son John, and belts out his song of praise to the Lord in Luke 1:68-79. The heavenly host sang with the angel to the shepherds after the birth of Jesus in Luke 2:13-14. Simeon held baby Jesus at the temple as he prophesied and praised God, which is found in Luke 2:28-32.
If you read through the scriptures noted above, you will surmise that they were songs of the heart. Actually, they were a display of the condition of the authors’ hearts. A little searching of the Old Testament shows that there is a connection between the heart and where our strength and salvation come from:
Moses and the Israelites sang “The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation,” in Exodus 15:2(ESV).
David writes in Psalm 28:7 that “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song, I give thanks to him.”
Isaiah also repeats that “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation,” Isaiah 12:2.
What is the hymn of your heart today? Maybe this time of the year brings a reminder of loss. Maybe you are battling a physical illness. Maybe discouragement, anger, or sadness are present in your life.
Maybe you are just numb.
If this is you, I want to take a moment to hug you with words! I want you to know that you are loved and seen by your heavenly Father. He longs to be your strength and your song. He has also prepared the perfect gift for you—his one and only son Jesus. He is the reason for the season, and He is the perfect match for the brokenness that you may be experiencing right now.
So in this breathtaking and beautiful season of the birth of our King, try something with me:
● Let’s give him all of our brokenness, and declare that He is our strength and song.
● Let’s give Him the reins to be the salvation that we desperately need.
● Let’s give Him all of the glory for the great things He has done.
Sing the hymn of your heart to the Lord today!
