While waiting for “Christmas Carol” cast to walk across the snow-smothered stage and sing “In the Bleak Midwinter,” I decided to peruse the play’s program and perhaps glean a behind-the-scenes fact or two.
I should have read Dickens’ story instead.
Within just a few pages, the theatre had trumpeted the trendy new truths of a culture that exalts man over God, truths that revel in self-righteousness, truths as real as the shredded milk cartons used to create the snow.
Truths that couldn’t compare to the timeless themes of Dickens’ yuletide novella.
Admittedly, though, even Dickens didn’t fully capture the truths of the Gospel, and as much as I enjoy the narrative, and as much as my soul stirs at the sight of Scrooge embracing redemption with reckless abandon, I ultimately must return to the Spirit-inspired writers to fully embrace the reason for the season.
And only this capital T truth gives people true hope, true meaning, true righteousness and true purpose, and by God’s grace, I hope to celebrate that truth by rewriting a few secular holiday classics.
You’re a Mean One, Mister Grinch
You redeemed us, Lamb of God
You came to save the Lost
From a humble stall one Christmas night
To death upon a cross
Lamb of God
You’re the sinless Adam who saves people from the fall
You’re a conqueror, David’s Heir
Forever You will reign
At the right hand of the Father
Conquering Satan and the grave
David’s Heir
Every knee will bow to the glory of your Father’s praise
You inspire us, Light of life
Your Law fulfills God’s will
Through the Spirit You still guide us
To convict, comfort and thrill
Light of Life
You’re returning, King of Kings
To judge the world one day
And You’ll welcome all the children
Overcoming through Your grace
King of kings
Oh Christmas tree
Do you believe?
Do you believe?
Are you a true disciple?
Don’t just repeat
A pray’r or creed
Are you a true disciple?
Do you bear fruit as love takes root?
And share the truth
Do you believe?
Do you believe?
Are you a true disciple?
Do you believe?
Do you believe?
Are you a true disciple?
Christ still will seek
The wayward sheep
Who weeps for His revival
Seek first His Kingdom come on earth
And grow in grace through the new birth
Do you believe?
Do you believe?
Are you a true disciple?
I’ll Be Home for Christmas
I’m reading tonight of redeemed earth
Where the Lord reigns with those who stayed true
And He wipes away tears and we’ll live without cares
Where all is new
I’ll be home some Christmas
Death has lost its sting
God forgives and His Son lives
In power and glory
His redeemed are crying
Holy, so holy
When we’re home some Christmas
To live eternally
His loves frees the sinner
When they bow their knees
Save your soul this Christmas
Repent, confess, be free
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