Too Early?
This morning, as I stood in the kitchen talking with my wife as she folded a few towels, I sat down my cup of coffee and asked, “Is it too early to talk about Christmas?”
Of course, just the fact that I brought up planning anything, much less Christmas, caught my wife’s attention. With raised eyebrows and a slight look of amazement she replied, “Sure! Why not? Go ahead!”
Then I said, “I know it’s only January, but I want to start now with an all-out push to change the way we do Christmas.” I explained that even if I have to say something every month until people are sick of hearing about it, it’s something I’m convinced needs to be discussed.
I am done with gift giving as usual. Now is the time to change.
First World Problems
I am sure you know what a “first world problem” is, don’t you? A first world problem is something like not finding your favorite brand of gourmet water at your local Whole Foods store when most of the world struggles to find the clean kind.
Well, maybe what I am about to describe is a problem only first-world folk have. It is highly unlikely that those in poorer countries (or even poorer communities) deal with giving too many gifts to their children. Many care more about how they will put food on the table, not how to afford the latest video game console or diamond ring.
But for those of you who are even now planning so that the trunk of next year’s Christmas tree will be hidden by boxes covered in shiny disposable paper and reusable bows, I say ENOUGH! Just STOP it, already!
The Purpose
If you know the meaning of Christmas has to do with celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, not all things Santa, then you should understand what I’m about to say. On the other hand, if you think that Christmas is nothing more than the “season for giving,” then you’re going to hate me.
The ONLY reason we celebrate Christmas is because Jesus was God’s perfect Gift to mankind. While remembering the day (regardless of the date) that God became a baby and dwelt among us, we offer gifts to each other in memory of the unique Gift wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger.
Christmas is NOT supposed to be a season of commercial manipulation and debt-producing volume-minded influence peddling.
In reality, a Christmas gift should be nothing less than an homage to the greater Gift. The giving of gifts at Christmas should mimic the original. Even more, what is given should reflect the Gospel, not diminish or dilute it.
Value, not Volume
Again, it may only be a first-world problem, but how often have you been confronted with the issue of buying equally for multiple children or family members? For example, we have three daughters and three granddaughters. My wife gets so stressed over the number of gifts each one receives. She wants her giving to be and appear fair.
But then look at the way the number of gifts becomes more important than the value of each gift. Especially for the little children, all they can see is the number of wrapped gifts, not the value, especially not the heart. Thus, theoretically, one kid could get 5 gifts while another could get 10 gifts. Yet, because of the value of numbers, the one receiving 5 gifts might feel cheated, even if the inherent value of the 5 is equal to or more than the 10!
Do you see? By focusing on volume instead of value, the number of gifts becomes more important than the value of the gift. When the value of the heart is determined by the number of the sacrifices, the value of the individual sacrifice is diminished.
One and Done
Let’s face it, Jesus was the ultimate “one and done” gift. God did not send multiple saviors; He sent his One and Only Son. The angel told the shepherds, “You shall find the babe…,” not multiple babies, one wrapped this way, the other one that.
What are we telling our children and each other when we have to make sure there are several gifts under the tree and at least a few items in each stocking? How does that mirror the Gospel? What does it say about Jesus?
Today I’m starting a movement to change the way we do this. Will you join me?
The Recovering Legalist 
Critique of ‘Hallelujah’ in Christmas Worship
As of this writing, there are only five days until Christmas. If I had only spoken out a few months ago, things might have been different today. But I didn’t say anything earlier because I didn’t want to hurt feelings or offend. I can only hope that by protesting now, something good can come of it.
You may recall that a few years ago I wrote a scathing critic of Dean Martin’s “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” I wasn’t the first to point out the song’s sexually abusive lyrics. Nevertheless, my article did get attention. This wasn’t surprising since the #metoo movement was going strong at the time.
But here we are in yet another Christmas season and what do we have? More offensive lyrics in Christmas songs. What makes it worse is that they are part of worship services. These services are meant to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, not a sexual conquest.
It seems that all one must do these days is include the word hallelujah in a song, no matter the context of the borrowed lyric or tune, and it’s sure to be a hit at your next Christmas cantata.
“Hallelujah”
Let me be clear. It is not my wish to trash Leonard Cohan’s famous, beloved and oft-covered “Hallelujah.” Why would I want to? My complaints would just fall on deaf ears. Since the 1984 release of Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” near universal praise has been given for its lyrical, poetic, and harmonic beauty. But I’m not a fan. I can’t stand the song – not because of the tune, but the message.
But as with many things, even though I’m not a fan, if it stays within the bounds of its intended secular audience, I’m content to let rotting dogs lie.
It’s only when the putrid scent of death begins to taint the fragrant incense of worship that I get offended. My gag reflexes tempt me to puke.
Unfortunately, as of late, I’ve had to keep a barf bag close by. It seems that more and more Christians have gone odor blind and cannot detect even the slightest stench. Everywhere I turn, Cohen’s agnostic and broken Hallelujah” is being incorporated into holy worship.
A Little Background
With just a little digging, I found that the first time “Hallelujah” became linked to Christmas was in 2010. Susan Boyle from Britain’s Got Talent included it on her Christmas album. It featured the original lyrics.
Then, early in December of 2012, Cloverton released the now popular Christmas version of “Hallelujah” which tells the story of Christ’s birth. Below is the first verse.
In 2017 the group Anthem Lights released “Hallelujah Medley,” a mashup of two classic Christian songs with “Hallelujah” woven throughout. The other two songs were “Hallelujah, What a Savior” and Michael W. Smith’s “Agnus Dei.”
This year I heard both the Cloverton and the Anthem Lights versions in the same church Christmas cantata. However, as an instrumentalist in that church, I couldn’t bring myself to accompany either one.
Giving Grace
But I want to extend grace. I don’t want to disparage anyone who sings these covers or re-writes of “Hallelujah.” Their intention might be to glorify God. They may also encourage others to praise Him. Even Paul was hesitant to condemn those who, out of jealously, added to his suffering, for even then the Gospel was being preached (see Philippians 1:15-18). That was the main thing.
I’m compelled to show grace, too, because others may genuinely see things differently. They may consider what is being done with “Hallelujah” as an act of sanctification. They might argue that the tunes of some of the greatest and most beloved hymns were once big hits in the pubs and ale houses. Therefore, incorporating the tune or some of the lyrics into Christmas music is no different than how we sing “Amazing Grace” to the traditional tune of “New Britain.”
And, if nothing else, I must be careful to offer a lot of grace because I’m not perfect. I’ve had a bad cold, recently, and lots of things irritate me more when I feel sick.
What Are the Issues?
So, what is the issue (or issues)? What is there to complain about this time? What makes me cringe? What makes me nauseous?
Issue 1: The Lyrics
To begin with, it all goes back to Leonard Cohen’s original “Hallelujah” and its meaning. You see, I like music, but I also try to understand the lyrics. Just because a song has a happy tune, that doesn’t mean it’s worth listening to. I try to feed my soul with good stuff, not garbage.
Compared to many songs, though, “Hallelujah” is downright tame. It’s not a vulgar, pornographic jingle celebrating wet body parts (e.g., Cardi B). But it isn’t religious, nor is it wholesome for all ages, either. Actually, it is a song that draws loosely from the lives of biblical characters to describe dysfunctional, sexually-involved relationships that seek consolation through mutual brokenness.
But as a Christian, what bothers me most is the way Cohan distorts and contorts the word hallelujah. It offends me that such an intrinsically holy word (made up of two Hebrew words, hālal and yâ, which means “praise the Lord”) is used to describe a sexual release in the second verse.
It may seem petty, but it also irritates me how Cohan (born a Jew, but a practicing Buddhist) not only mixes the stories of King David and Samson, but does so in a self-justifying, slanderous way. David needed proof for his faith? Whose throne got broken?
But who really cares about the verses of this song, right? I mean, all that people really care about are the melody and the haunting chorus that repeats the word erroneously attributed to a “baffled” king.
Hallelujah is the real money maker, after all.
Issue 2: The Fusion of the Holy and the Unholy
The other big issue I have is not only the willingness, but the ambivalence toward fusing holy, Christian works with unholy, secular, even blasphemous works in an attempt to be creative.
Here’s the thing. I can’t sing “Amazing Grace” without including the accompanying tune once connected to bar songs. However, when I or any other person hears “Amazing Grace,” the words of “New Britain” never enter our minds. The older song is totally disassociated from Newton’s “Amazing Grace” and the author of “New Britain” never gets any credit.
But “Hallelujah” is a different thing entirely. Whenever either the tune or the lyrics of “Hallelujah” are used in either a lyrical remake or a mashup with other Christian songs, some sort of attribution must be given to Leonard Cohan.
Issue 3: Ignorance is Blessed
I asked my wife for her thoughts on the rendition of Cloverton’s version of “Hallelujah” that our praise band did last week. Like everyone else, she thought it was beautiful. And from a purely musical perspective, even a worshipful one, it was moving.
But on the other hand, on hearing “It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth, the minor falls, the major lifts,” when does one wonder: “Why are the words of an agnostic Jewish Buddhist being used out of their context to praise the God and Savior he doesn’t even believe in?”
But that’s just it. Most people don’t know.
Most people aren’t aware of the source material. For that matter, most people never parse the lyrics to any of the songs they sing, even in church, and are usually content remaining ignorant, but blessed. Honestly, I can’t blame them. It’s easier that way.
And frankly, at least in this case, what you don’t know probably won’t hurt you, so worship away.
But I do know. That’s why I just had to say something.
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