Mixmas on 94.5
December 6, 2024
Many of the radio stations I listened to when I was growing up were from Lexington, KY. After all, my family lived only an hour from there. One of my favorite stations as I got into middle school and high school was Mix 94.5. They played a mix of 80s and 90s music. One thing they did, in particular, that I loved was change over to all Christmas music starting after Thanksgiving. While there are multiple stations that do this today, Mix 94.5 was the first one I had ever known to do it. They would briefly rename their station Mixmas 94.5 for that month.
Of course, that Christmas music seemed to start a little earlier each year. I’m not sure when Mixmas started this year but I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that it was sometime during early November. I don’t mind that, though. I love Christmas music. So, every year, I eagerly awaited Mixmas to start. When it did, it didn’t take long for me to tune in.
I’m not sure why I love Christmas music so much. Perhaps it’s nostalgia. I remember sitting by my radio in my room with a couple of cassette tapes my grandmother had made for me. One was a Christmas album by Willie Nelson. I would listen to that one on repeat. His rendition of Frosty the Snowman is still my favorite.
I think I might like Christmas music so much because it recognizes the Creator within all creation. It’s music that has to deal with joy, love, giving, and peace. It strikes upon ideals that do not originate with man himself. It speaks of things taught by Jesus, found in the pages of Scripture. A lot of the music actually deals with the Scriptural narrative.
You can go grocery shopping and hear “The First Noel”. You can drive down the road and hear “Joy to the world, the Lord is come!” on more than just the Christian music stations.
Christmas music points to something bigger. It points to something beyond us.
Christmas music points to our Creator, who made us in his image. Christmas music seems to awaken certain things in our hearts that are Creator-like.
Do you remember what Paul said in Colossians 1?
“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:15-16, NIV)
Christmas speaks of that - the music, the celebration, the gatherings, the givings.
Christmas is when we focus on the story of Jesus’ birth, absolutely. We should do that. We also know, though, that Christmas speaks of the larger story, too - the story that God cared so much for his creation - us - that he gave his only Son so that we can be restored to a friendly relationship with our Creator.
So tune in to your favorite Christmas station or playlist. After all, it’s time to remember and celebrate.
- Sean
What’s Ahead
Our Akron Pregnancy Services Giving Tree is now in the lobby. If you have taken a tag, please purchase whatever is on the tag, and then return it with the tag and place it under the tree. December 15 will be the last day to bring gifts!
The Book Club will be meeting on Monday, December 9, at 6:45 pm to discuss The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning. If you wish to participate and need a book, please see Sean or email him at sean@summitchristian.church.
Our Calendar Planning Meeting will happen on Zoom on Tuesday, December 10, at 7:30 pm. Ministry leaders with events to plan in 2025 are encouraged to attend.
The next Board and Elders Meetings will take place on Tuesday, December 17, at 7:30 pm. The Board meeting will happen first and the Elders meeting will take place immediately afterwards. Both meetings will occur on Zoom.
We are planning to welcome our new neighbors at Fire Station 12 with some cookies! If you wish to make some cookies to donate, please sign up at the Welcome Center. If you have any questions, please talk to the head cookie elf, Sharon Campbell.
Our Christmas Eve Service will be on Tuesday, December 24, at 6:00 pm. Go ahead and make plans to attend (and bring the whole family)!
Thank You Note
I want to give a big thank you to all who helped out with the Community Christmas Party this past Sunday. We had a blast! One particular individual from the community commented on how our church has the best community events. I agree with that statement and it’s because of you all and your following of Jesus! Thank you all so much!
- Sean