Sometimes, holidays can be really difficult. For some, the holidays are a painful reminders of loss. For some, schedules get really overwhelming. And some have really high expectations that Christmas will be the MOST wondrous day of the entire year.
Sometimes, it feels like it would be really easy to become cynical and jaded about Christmas. But I know that even in our hectic culture and in every circumstance, we can still experience excitement that Christmas is just around the corner.
Written around 1950, the song “Silver Bells” gives us a great opportunity to lean into the excitement of Christmas. The lyrics paint bright and joyful imagery that I love. “Children laughing. People passing, meeting smile after smile.”
Jay Livingston, one of the co-writers of this song, was inspired by the bells rung by the Salvation Army volunteers “on every street corner” during the Christmas season. Those bells remind us to be generous. To be others-oriented. To count our blessings, whisper a prayer of gratitude, and share.
Even though there isn't scripture cited in this song, it does capture that special feeling that I love around Christmas time. And it does remind me of a special scripture when I think about the lyrics.
The "Silver Bells" in this song remind me of some other very special bells. In the 28th chapter of Exodus, we see God Himself giving detailed instructions about the design of the garments Aaron, the High Priest, was to wear when he went into God's presence in the Holy of Holies.
The Lord directed that the hem of Aaron's robe have small bells sewn onto it, all the way around.
Those bells would sound with every movement of the High Priest as he ministered in the presence of the Lord on behalf of the people. What a comforting sound that must have been for those standing anxiously in the outer courts of the Tabernacle.
The sound of those bells sent a clear and reassuring message: “Your High Priest—your representative—is in the Father's presence ministering on your behalf. Because of the work he is doing there, you can experience forgiveness, wholeness and blessing. Everything is going to be all right.”
Of course, that High Priest was a foreshadowing of the ultimate High Priest who would one day come, not only to administer the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world but to also be that sacrifice.
This year, let's let the bells of Christmas remind us that our great High Priest, Jesus Christ, lives in the presence of the Father. Hear those silver bells, smile, and know that everything is going to be all right.
Jesus is our most special gift this season.
And, in every circumstance, that is something we can all celebrate this Christmas!
Based on the song Where I Find You by Kari Jobe. Original post by Kari Jobe featured on YouVersion. Hear Kari Jobe's "Where I Find You (Christmas Edition)" here.
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