There's something special about Christmas songs, especially ones about our faith in Jesus. Contemporary Christian artist Jordan St. Cyr's "Rejoice" Christmas EP, Our Christ Is Here, beautifully captures the posture of our hearts as we celebrate Christmas. Let's explore the lyrics and the meaning of the Advent season from his perspective.

"Oh, the wonder of this birth/Let it echo through the earth."
 

Christmas is a season of anticipation.

"We've been waiting/For this night to come/Watching, praying/For the promised one/Now angels fill the sky/Good news from on high/We've been waiting/For this night to come."

I love the opening lyrics of "Rejoice" because they speak clearly about waiting and hoping for God's promise. In the church liturgical calendar, the season leading up to Christmas is called Advent. In the weeks leading up to Christmas Day, we reflect on the experience of God's people, Israel, who were waiting for the Messiah's arrival—Jesus, His Son. He is the promised savior who would deliver Israel and humanity from our sins.

As I read the biblical stories about Jesus' birth, it stands out how often they talk about people feeling that anticipation. Luke 2:25 (NLT) says: "At that time, there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel." Luke 2:42 (NLT) says this about the prophet Anna's conversations with people at the temple at Jesus' dedication: "She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem."

This Advent season, I encourage you to read the Gospels (I like to read Luke because I can finish by Christmas Eve if I read one chapter a day in December or Matthew because it especially emphasizes how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy) and maybe some of the Old Testament prophets, too.

Consider how God communicated through the prophets in Scripture, promising to send a Savior who would deliver humanity from sin. Reflect on how Jesus fulfilled those promises and addressed the deep longing within human hearts to know God. Sit with that feeling of expectation and anticipation those living in biblical times might have felt.

Christmas is a season of joy.

"Rejoice, rejoice/Come behold the glory of/Rejoice, rejoice/Heaven's King has come to us/Rejoice/He is savior/He is God with us/The evidence/Of the father's love/Here in Bethlehem/Let us bow to him/He is savior/He is God with us."

Jordan St. Cyr named this song rightly and captured the spirit of rejoicing that should mark the Christmas season for Jesus' followers. When Jesus was born, angels appeared to shepherds in nearby fields and told them the birth of the Savior was a reason for rejoicing.

"Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. Luke 2:10-11 (NLT) says, "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The savior--the Messiah, the Lord--has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David." 

Just as God's people in the Bible felt a deep longing and anticipation for the coming Savior and then experienced joy upon His arrival, we celebrate Advent as a time to reflect on that same anticipation and the happiness of Jesus' arrival.

This Christmas season, try to avoid going through the motions of the busyness and traditions of the season just for the sake of doing it. Genuinely and intentionally rejoice and thank God for sending Jesus and how He has saved and changed your life. And if you don't know Jesus personally yet, know that God sent His son to this earth so you could know Him personally as your friend and your Lord and be forgiven of your sins. Let Christmas be your season to get to know Him.

Final Thoughts 

Spend this Christmas season listening to classic Christmas hymns and contemporary worship songs, like Jordan St. Cyr's "Rejoice." These songs will remind you of the truth of Scripture and stir in your heart a sense of eager expectation for Jesus and fulfilled joy that He has come.