In every instance in the lyrical arts, but especially Christmas music, we sing what we feel. If you want to know what a certain group believes about the biblical message, go to a Christmas service and ask why a certain repertoire is chosen. In some cases the choice of old-fashioned music represents keeping a wall that holds the congregation at a safe distance from the tough challenges of discipleship. Occasionally the genre of music chosen by a particular group simply displays ethnic pride. Sometimes singing Christmas carols means a break with tradition, rebelling against a more sober, décor-less Protestantism. But the way we sing Christmas music is always a statement that goes beyond the simple retelling of the biblical story. Indeed, sometimes the question is whether to sing any at all.
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William Edgar is professor of apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) and is an accomplished musician.
Issue: "Peace on Earth" Nov./Dec. Vol. 13 No. 6 2004 Pages 16-19
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