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Written by Juan Carlos Acosta, Director of Worship at the Village Church.

I sometimes wonder if the author of this Psalm (below) was a choir director who was tired of the same old songs sung year after year. Christmas Eve worship, in particular, is filled with the well-loved traditions and carols, but as a church musician who has been involved in the making of this music since the age of nine, there are times I too grow tired of the same old songs. Don’t get me wrong, I also get emotional on Christmas Eve as we get to certain verses of songs that are sung every year. I look up at my friends and family in the choir who are also choking back tears as we sing and I know that now it is Christmas. I wonder though, if sometimes the familiarity of the scriptures, the songs, the traditions makes us somehow blind to the beauty and wonder of this story. Can we listen with fresh ears and open hearts to this new song that is Jesus, sung into the world? Can we take up this song like it is both new and familiar so that others may hear? When the opening fanfare on the opening hymn is played on Christmas Eve, will we be ready to meet Jesus?

O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord; bless His name; tell of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples. For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; He is to be revered above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Honor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. [Psalm 96:1-6]