Music Monday: “O Come All You Unfaithful” by Travis Cottrell (featuring Brooke Voland)
By: Debbie Waltz
Readers~
I cannot believe it’s 3 days until Christmas. Hopefully, everyone has taken care of their shopping. No more frantic dashes to the store for me! I’m happy to announce I’ll be skipping any last-minute shopping trips this year, which brings a wave of relief. Although part of this season’s fun is witnessing the shops’ chaotic, bustling energy, a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. Some of the magic of the season is missing. Don’t get me wrong, the rooms are decorated with festive garlands and twinkling lights, and my Christmas tree, adorned with ornaments, stands tall. With all my shopping complete, the beautifully wrapped presents sit nestled under the twinkling Christmas tree, their paper crinkling softly. With my mom sick with a cold, the sounds of Christmas – the carols, the laughter, the bustling kitchen – have been replaced by quiet sniffles and the soft sounds of rest. Here’s hoping for a quick recovery so that she will enjoy Christmas when everybody comes over on Wednesday.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve tried the to express the many perspectives that audiences might encounter this holiday season. The truth is that Christmas is meant for everyone.
Whether one is a billionaire or struggling to make ends meet, Jesus values and seeks to establish a personal relationship with each person. His love knows no bounds and transcends any worldly distinctions. In His eyes, everyone equally deserves His grace, forgiveness, and salvation. All that is required from us is to believe in Him and accept his free gift of salvation. Ephesians 2:8 reminds us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift from God –..”
As simple as this sounds, Jesus realizes it may take others more time to come to the faith. That’s why 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (NIV).
So, as much as God becoming flesh as a humble baby is a miracle, I believe there’s another miracle here: He went to such lengths and refuses to give up on us
Travis Cottrell’s song, “O Come All You Unfaithful” gives us a bigger picture of Jesus birth and ministry on earth. While it starts with a humble baby in a manger, it doesn’t end there. Throughout his ministry, many accept him by faith or because of the miracles he performs. Still, others reject him believing in their own selfish pride to save them. They trust wholly in law, believing that will keep them from sinning. They are God’s “chosen people ” after all..
Even the disciples question Jesus sometimes. They follow him without quite understanding the reality behind his mission. They still hold hope for physical relief from the oppression of the Romans. Even after all this time, they still don’t understand. He must be REJECTED and CRUCIFIED so that his plan may be completed here on earth. All of this must be accomplished to restore a right relationship with him. Jesus is concerned about our spiritual health as well as our physical well-being; Matthew 11:28- 30 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
The song can be accessed here: