A "Tupac" Christmas

Over this past week or so, Gena and I have been slowly recovering from illnesses. Not major illnesses, but enough to cause us to slow down, rest, drink a lot of tea, and eat a lot of soup.
It was during this time of rest and relaxation that we took it upon ourselves to decorate the inside of our house in preparation for the Christmas/Advent Season. We didn't "over do-it," trust me. Hanging lights inside our house is an enjoyable and easy task, not a strenuous one. So the lights are up in the Voit household and "it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas." From what I gather, Christmas is probably "the" most favorite time of year for the both of us. Most likely because of all the fond memories of Christmases growing up. And probably because we actually get to spend Christmas together. There was a time not too long ago when we were dating that we were separated during the Holidays due to the fact that our families lived in two different states. Let's just say that we very much appreciate being together during this time of year.

It's been incredibly relaxing to sit with a cup of coffee, my wife, and a good book with some light instrumental Christmas music playing in the background. And trust me we have plenty of Christmas music. We typically get a new Holiday album every year. This year was Andrea Bocelli's Christmas CD and it's phenomenal. My grandfather (Grandpa Pine) was a big fan of Christmas music and I'm sure he would have enjoyed this particular album. He always had good taste in Christmas music, perhaps that's why I do. Grandma always said I came from "good stock." With no bias at all (kidding!), I would agree.

When it comes to music, I find that I have very interesting taste. I'm not sure I enjoy any one particular style of music. Let's just say that my musical taste is quite eclectic, meaning I like a variety of different styles. And if my wife heard me use that word 'eclectic,' she'd say "Hey now, watch it with those big words!" But it's true, my musical tastes are all across the board. If you ever check out my collection of music you'll see that I have music that ranges from Celine Dion to Iron Maiden. From Bocelli to 3 Doors Down. From the Beatles to Linkin Park. From Journey to old school 50s & 60s hits. From James Brown to Frank Sinatra.

For me, there's something about music that is just so inspiring and moving. I can't really put my finger on it or truly explain what I mean, but I'm sure you get the gist. I'm sure you've in some way or another been inspired or moved by a certain song or songs. What I've noticed about myself is that I'm not so much intrigued with the lyrics of the song(s) as I am with the song(s) itself. I find myself more interested and captivated by the tempo, the beat, the melody, etc. It's almost as if there is a story or a scene full of passion or emotion unfolding underneath all the words. There's high and low points, dramatic and ordinary sequences. There are moments when you'd wish the song would not end and there are those indescribable moments when the deep places within the heart are touched and resonated with.

Music can often tap deep into our hearts and into the very fiber of who we are. I've heard it said that when some people think of God they think of Him as a Song that is and has been playing. It's a sweet, slow Song that has been playing since the very beginning of time. A Song that has a rhythm, a melody, and a beat. A Song that we can choose to either listen close to or intentionally drown out by listening to the numerous other loud, chaotic songs that are being played in our culture. It's a Song that we can either learn to sway, dance and move in harmony with or chose to do nothing with and sit on the sidelines like boys at a Middle School Dance.

I think that we've All experienced or heard this Song at one point or another. I believe we heard it loud and clear when we were kids, but at some point our innocence and child-likeness was lost and drowned out to the voices of "reason" and "civilized" society (note the sarcasm). Remember, when we were kids and in our minds nothing was impossible and nothing was beyond incapable of existing. What happened? What has brought us to this point of no longer being able to dream or think outside of ourselves? Why can't we hear the Song the way we used to hear it so clearly and loudly?

In his song "Changes," Tupac (yes, Tupac Shakur my West Coast brother and rapper) sings "I'd love to go back to when we played as kids, but things changed, and that's the way it is." I think my brother from another mother was right, God rest His soul. Things have changed, but the fact is they don't have to stay the way that they are now. You see the Song is still playing. The Song will always being playing even amidst all the other chaotic and destructive songs that are being played and danced to. But if you listen closely you'll hear deep within the Song that there is an invitation being extended to every one us....

It's an invitation to become like a little child again...
It's an invitation to attune our ears to the Sweet Song that has been softly playing from the very beginning...
It's an invitation to "Return" (aka 'Repent') to the God who calls us His children

...Children who are loved simply for who they are, not as they should be.

Oh and by the way I checked...Tupac does not have a Christmas Album. Bummer!