The problem with sin is that, on the surface, it’s so attractive. If sin weren’t pleasing in some way, then it wouldn’t be so tempting. That’s why no one ever says that they had to fight the temptation to eat kale or visit the dentist. And during a season meant to celebrate the birth of our savior, we still have to stare sin in the face even when listening to Christmas music.
I love Christmas music as much as anyone I know. In fact, I love it so much, that I have strict rules about listening to it too early. There are plenty of Christmas songs that honor Jesus and celebrate his birth. There are other Christmas songs, though, that are sinful.
“Baby It’s Cold Outside” and “Let It Snow”
I was led to believe that life and sexual expectations were much more wholesome in the 50s and 60s. People wouldn’t hold hands until they were married and, even when they were married, the couple would sleep in separate beds. “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and “Let It Snow” paint an entirely different, much more sinful picture, though. In these songs couples are lingering around the fire and the bar, just looking for an excuse to give into their passions and make Santa’s naughty list. These days we make jokes about “Netflix and chill,” but these songs forgo Netflix and proceed straight to chill.
“Frosty the Snowman”
What could be sinful about Frosty the Snowman? He’s just a jolly snowman with a top hat who wanted to make children smile. However, Deuteronomy 18:10 says:
Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft.
There must have been some magic in that old hat they found; there must also have been a fair amount of sin and devilry. The power to give a snowman sentient life is nothing short of witchcraft and sorcery. I won’t even play with a Ouija board, much less try to bring an inanimate object to life. You’d think that the traffic cop would have realized the evil encompassing Frosty and done more to halt his progress than holler “stop.” However, just like the light dawned at the first Christmas and saved the world, the sun broke through and saved our world from the evil of Frosty.
“Santa Claus is Coming to Town”
We have placed a lot of trust in Santa’s benevolence. We have given him the power to watch our every action and then judge whether or not we have lived lives worthy of gifts. The last time I read the Bible, though, it said that there was only one judge for whom we should be living. Santa is a false god full of jolly sin who asks for sacrifices of milk and cookies. Santa only gives gifts to the worthy, but God gives spiritual gifts to all of his followers, especially the unworthy. God knows that he is more greatly glorified by someone unworthy using his or her gifts to do something extraordinary for God’s kingdom. I’m sick of watching out and not pouting just to please a judgmental elf. I’d rather honor a God who loves me whether I’m naughty or nice and does more than let me just wallow in my naughtiness for another year.
I love Christmas music, even the songs that are a little sinful. We can have a lot of fun and enjoy all the secular aspects of this season as long as they don’t take our focus off Jesus and his love for us.
What other Christmas songs are sinful?
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