It’s generally known and accepted that one’s sense of smell holds the strongest connection to memory and nostalgia.  If there was to be a second under smell, I would be willing to bet that hearing is next.  That is, in my obvious professional scientific opinion of course.

What we hear can strongly trigger deep emotion, affection, and memory.  Hear no further than to whenever a sleigh bell rings a fond memory of Christmas it brings…at least it seems.  Lovers of the Christmas season are always eager and excited to fill their homes and cars with their favorite tunes.  Melodies, words, instruments that warm and bring delight from the ear to the heart.  They are Christmas’ runes. 

Do you hear what I hear?

Last Christmas I gave you my heart.

Holy infant so tender and mild.

Yea, Lord, we greet thee.

All I want for Christmas is you.

There’s a lot to hear in this season of celebrating our Savior’s birth.  Sounds of welcome, joy, comfort, and mirth.

What is it you look forward to hearing most each Christmastide?  For me it’s a lot of things.  But the biggest tenor of them is hearing all of God’s people gathered together in one sonorous chord “Gloria in excelsis Deo!”  

I love the smell of evergreen, cinnamon, oranges, and cloves.

I’m quite fond of the taste of nutmeg and ginger

I relish each time I feel the warmth of embracing my wife and daughters around the

Christmas tree

I gives me great delight to see our family, read all the Christmas letters from dear 

friends far away…

But even so, it’s not until I hear it each time that I realize what I love most every Christmas is hearing God’s Word proclaimed unto me, Immanuel – “God is with us.”  

This too is for you to glean dear friends.  Listen well. Hear that the Lord is always near to you.

That beautiful sweet saving sound of the Gospel.

The Lord Emmanuel is with you,

Pastor Sam