As I
have entered into my “mature years”, my taste in music has gravitated to
classical, especially orchestral music. I find classical music enriching,
relaxing and uplifting. Much of classical music follows familiar patterns.
There is usually a prelude, of some sort, that introduces the major musical
themes of the piece. Often these themes are contrasting: dynamic and bold vs.
calm and subtle. This is followed by several movements that develop the major
themes. The piece then comes to a climax at the end, which again emphasizes the
major themes of the music.
Christmas
is a BIG DEAL. For many people, it is the climax of the year. It is a time for
families and friends to get together and celebrate their connection. It is a
time of giving and receiving. It is a time of extravagant parties and intimate
gatherings. It is truly a joyous time. But Christmas is not really the climax;
it is the prelude to God’s symphony.
If
we look closely at the accounts of Jesus’ birth, as recorded in Matthew and
Luke, we can see all the themes of Jesus’ life introduced. We see joy and
sorry, conflict and struggle, and ultimate victory. Christmas sets that stage
for a life of greatness.
The
main theme is introduced with the announcement of Jesus’ birth to Mary. But
the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with
God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him
the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.
The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign
over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." Luke
1:30-33 The child to be born to Mary will be no ordinary child. He will be
great, in fact, he will be a king.
The
main theme of the story is further defined when the angel comes to Joseph. But after he had considered this, an angel
of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do
not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her
is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him
the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." Matthew
1:20-21 Not only will this child be a king, he will be a Savior. God has
established the main theme of his symphony.
There
are two secondary themes that are introduced during this prelude: joy and
sorry. The theme of joy is introduced by Luke, as the shepherds are informed of
the good news of Jesus’ birth. And there were shepherds living out in the
fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord
appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were
terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good
news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a
Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you:
You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Luke 2:8-12
Matthew
advances this theme with the arrival of the Magi. When they saw the star, they were
overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and
they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and
presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. Matthew
2:10-11
Even
as the theme of joy is lingering in the air, the black cloud of conflict begins
to build. When they had gone, an angel of
the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take
the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for
Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." Matthew 2:13
Throughout
the rest of God’s symphony, Jesus develops and lives out the themes introduced
in the prelude. The climax comes some 33 years later, when Jesus emerges
victorious from the tomb on Easter. But God has one more movement to His
symphony, and it is yet to be played. For one day, Jesus will return in power
and glory to claim his rightful place on the throne forever.
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