The Reason for the Season – Sunday, December 05, 2021

Christmas is a season of interesting contrasts. In many parts of the world, for example, Christmas comes in the darkest, coldest part of winter—and yet Christmas is a season of light and warmth, characterized by the warm glow of lights on houses and trees. People are kinder and filled with more compassion and love, but at the same time the stress of the season can make people busier, ruder, and more impatient. And while Christmas is traditionally a time of joyful gatherings with friends and family, so many feel uninvited, forgotten, and alone. Contrasts like these are with us all year long, but at Christmastime they are amplified, more tender and poignant. 

Yes, Christmas, for some, can be the happiest or saddest of days. And though we can’t always take the sadness from the season—any more than we can take it out of life—there is something we can do to help make Christmas more joyful for ourselves and others: we can focus on the reason for the season. And that reason is the birth and life of the Savior of the world.  

 One Christmas, a family with several children found that Christmas wasn’t quite as merry for them as it ought to be. They were supposed to be happy and enjoying the holiday, but they were worn out and worried. Instead of good tidings of great joy, they felt stressed and busy. Instead of peace and goodwill, they felt frazzled and frustrated. So, they made a decision—one that continues to guide their family today. During the Christmas season, they slow down, simplify, and focus their time and energy on what this season is all about.  

 In a sense, this family found a star to guide them, like the one the Wise Men followed to find the Christ child so long ago. It led them to a sacred moment of worship, where in simplicity and stillness they could offer their treasures in love and adoration.1 Perhaps each of us would benefit from searching the sky for our own star—from discovering what it is that leads us to the Prince of Peace, setting aside things that draw us away, and humbly worshipping Him: the reason for the season.
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December 05, 2021
Broadcast Number 4,812

The Tabernacle Choir
Orchestra at Temple Square

 

Conductors
Mack Wilberg
Ryan Murphy

Organist
Andrew Unsworth

Host
Lloyd Newell

 

Ding! Dong! Merrily on High
French carol; arr. Mack Wilberg

There Are Angels Hov’ring Round
Spiritual; arr. Ryan Murphy

In dulci jubilo
German carol; arr. Andrew Unsworth

How Far Is It to Bethlehem?
English carol; arr. Mack Wilberg

Still, Still, Still
Austrian carol; arr. Mack Wilberg

Carol to the King
French carol; arr. Mack Wilberg