I heard something as I walked in the store. I could not believe it. The door shut behind me and I just stood there listening to the music. It was the third of November in Salina, Kansas. The lady at the counter looked at me, smiled and asked if I needed anything. “How long have you been playing Christmas music in the store?” I asked. “Since the first of the month,” she shared. “Isn’t it beautiful! Christmas is just around the corner now.” We both smiled and nodded in agreement.
While one might expect retailers and restaurants to play the typical songs about snowmen, reindeer, bells jingling, shiny wrapping paper, or enjoying a snow laden landscape this music was different. This music was even different from most radio stations. This music described a holy night when our Savior was born. A night when angels proclaimed the birth of our King. A night when the thrill of hope arrives and a weary world rejoices. A new and glorious night that transformed the world because He has finally arrived. The night that delivered Jesus, the Christ, the promised redeemer of the world.
The music itself didn’t stop me in my tracks. It was the message of the music. It seemed to transform the entire store into a happy and joyful place. People couldn’t help but smile at each other, customers and employees alike. The store was transformed into a glorious place where people were happy and at peace. Each person reminded of God’s gift to us.
In my state of surprise or perhaps shock, I also took in what was not happening in the store. No one was complaining about “religious” music being played on a store sound system. No one was offended with the message. No one organized a sit in or demonstration. No one organized a letter writing campaign to the head office as a protest. Instead, you saw people everywhere who expected to hear Christmas music. People heard the music and the message. We were in turn blessed, renewed, and changed. The music was a gift.
Christmas music matters. It is more than an assortment of notes and chords. It is a tremendous reminder of truth. It shares and teaches the promise of Scripture. It is a form of worship in that we can use music to offer prayer and praise to God. It transforms people. It allows heavenly changes to take place in our hearts, minds, and souls when the gift is received.
Joy and singing do not always come easily. Many can only focus on dark days and personal struggles. As we enter the Advent season, let us hear the songs of promise and respond to the heavenly gift of Jesus. Since God has faithfully delivered the Messiah, we too have reason to sing and rejoice. May we continue to lift up our voices and share in the heavenly chorus that proclaimed the birth of our Savior.
God Squad 
Church Confidence Hits an All-Time Low
Posted in News & Commentary, tagged 2012 church confidence, 2012 confidence in religion, 2012 Gallup poll, 2012 Gallup survey, American confidence in organized religion, American confidence in the church, Bible, chaplain, Christ, christian, Christianity, church as a hospital for sinners, Church confidence, church split, confidence in institutions, confidence in the church at low, current events, faith, families, Gallup poll, Gallup survey, god, god squad, Great Physician, hospital for sinners, Jesus, Jesus Christ, looking for a church, looking for a church home, low church confidence, national guard, news, organized religion, poll, record low attitudes on religion, religion, religious, Son of God, spiritual, spiritual hospital, spirituality, survey, why do people leave the church, Why I hate religion and love Jesus, why I hate the church, why people leave the church on July 16, 2012| Leave a Comment »
Each year Gallup releases a “Confidence in Institutions” survey. This year it reveals that only 44% of Americans have a “great deal or quite a lot of confidence in ‘the church or organized religion.'”
Organized religion has ranked at the top of the list from 1973-1985, but now it is tied with the medical system. Bean counters will quickly point out that religion still ranks fourth out of sixteen institutions tested, but that can hardly be viewed as a prize. Bronze medal? Sorry church, you missed it by that much.
After I let the survey results simmer, my thoughts went to people who have been hurt, wounded, and injured by the church. When I hear stories of people searching for a different church home it is always for a reason. Too often families leave a congregation because of strife, bitterness, and conflict. They leave due to splits and infighting. They leave because of hurtful comments and negative attitudes. Unfortunately, the pain can be so intense that many won’t even bother to look for a new church home. Many stop looking or worse yet, stop going. When that is the legacy, why would people express confidence?
I like it when people describe the church as a hospital for sinners. It is the emergency room where we find comfort and peace through Jesus Christ. But this spiritual hospital will have people who are coughing, fever-ridden, and sick. There are varying levels of sickness due to sin. Cross-bearing is a requirement for ministry to occur in this setting. There will be unpleasant people in every congregation, but then again what emergency room doesn’t have someone in need of a physician?
If you are looking for a church home or stopped looking for a solid body of believers, remember that Jesus died for you and all who suffer from the pain of sin. He died for everybody. Congregations are made up of imperfect people who are in need of the Great Physician. Place your confidence in the Son of God and you will never be disappointed.
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