“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7).

December can be a rush. Plus, our world is kind of insane right now. Have you noticed?

That’s why we need to stay focused on what and who matters most: Jesus. Something that helps us do that is music.

Music is everywhere right now. It’s on the radio and T.V. It’s on our phones, in our churches, and even at the mall.

As you listen to the various hymns and carols, imagine that God is proactively surrounding you “with songs of deliverance.” Pay attention to the words and let them teach you, comfort you, and uplift you.

Recently I was reminded about the power and uniqueness of God coming to us in Jesus while singing Hark! the Herald Angels Sing: “Veiled in flesh the Godhead see! Hail the incarnate deity! Pleased on earth with us to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.”

I was also sitting at my desk the other day when these words from O Little Town of Bethlehem gave me a gasp of hope: “Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”

Let music focus you on what and who matters most.

Pay attention to the words and let them teach you, comfort you, and uplift you.

---

Notes:

—The Christmas Story Re-Examined. In my latest podcast I explore what Nazareth and Bethlehem would have been like, the threat of scandal for Mary and Joseph, when and where Jesus was most likely born, the dangerous political climate, the significance of the shepherds, and the meaning of the titles Saviour, Messiah and Lord. You can listen here, or tune in to ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ wherever you enjoy podcasts—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or TuneIn.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.