Esotropiart

My favorite radio station is technically Air 1 (www.air1.com), but at work I have a cheap radio and can only get one Christian station. I listen almost exclusively to Christian music not because I have ridiculous rules or limitations set by religious leaders or myself, but I feel I can do no other. It is a personal choice forced on me by no one. Music has such a profound effect on me that I feel I need to expose myself to the very best, to give God a chance to speak to my heart, even in the dark times. It is a choice I made a very long time ago.

At any given moment at work I have my headphones on, listening to The Fish, a Portland area Christian radio station - the only one that my radio can pick up in the office. The commercials are totally bothersome, and I sometimes have to remove my headphones with lightning speed when some of those really irritating advertisements come on, but otherwise, I like it.

I was somewhat surprised today when I turned the radio on. Yes, here it is in pre-Thanksgiving November, and they are already playing Christmas music 24-7. I realize that most people moan and groan when they hear of such a thing, but to me it is literally music to my ears. Since I was a child, I have always been nutty about Christmas music. I don't care if the holiday season is constantly expanding. I don't care that the primary motive is to gain profits for department stores and other businesses. I very much welcome this time. To me, Christmas is a great time to reflect on the beautiful gift of life God has given us. Most of the time I just struggle to make it through a week, only to see it replaced by another, and another, and another. I tend to become more thoughtful this time of year. Thank God for early Christmas decorations and music! I can't get sick of it.

This year I feel somehow especially in need of this season of great hope. To know that Jesus came and dwelled among us and gave me the opportunity to seek Him and receive forgiveness from a life of sin and impossible weights is so precious, with lack of better word. So needed. So crucial. When I put my headphones on this morning to hear unexpected ancient words in the form of Christmas carols, I was nearly brought to tears. If a world can somehow find meaning in celebrating monsters and death for several weeks before and after halloween, then why not for goodness sake celebrate Jesus' coming to mankind with much gladness - He's the Savior and only hope for all! Why not spend half the year remembering such things and looking to God alone for hope and life with upheld arms and tearful eyes? The Jews were pretty famous for their religious feasts, sacrifices and remembrances. Why not continue such a rich tradition for the highest reason possible and to the most deserving Recipient of all attention and honor? Jesus came to this earth 2000 years ago. He was not just a mere babe, but rather the Almighty God humbled as a man by His own choice and ability. He came to this earth that He might gain for Himself a people, one that He loves more than life itself. Yet more, He came for you and me. How precious, how dear. Merry Christmas in mid-November.