394 radio stations flipped to “All-Christmas” this winter according to Radio-Locator.com. While most of the stations were “Adult Contemporary,” other stations were “Classic Hits,” “Country,” “Nostalgia,” and even “Top-40.”
According to Billboard, the Holiday 100 “rank[s] the top seasonal songs via the same formula used for the Billboard Hot 100, measuring sales, airplay and streaming.” Billboard is the “music industry standard record chart in the United States for songs” according to Wikipedia,
But according to Billboard’s Holiday 100, there’s something missing on stations, streams, and song purchases. And that would be Jesus Christ, for whom Christmas is named.
You won’t find any music that talks about Jesus in the top 10 of the list, but you will find at #7, a violation of the Third Commandment – God’s name taken in vain (Last Christmas by Wham!).
In spot #12 is “Here Comes Santa Claus,” which basically replaces Jesus with Santa Claus.
…say your prayers, ’cause Santa Claus comes tonight.’…
…He doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor, he loves you just the same
Santa Claus knows we’re all God’s children, that makes everything right…https://genius.com/Gene-autry-here-comes-santa-claus-lyrics
…Peace on Earth will come to all if we just follow the light
So let’s give thanks to the lord above, ’cause Santa Claus comes tonight…
Unfortunately for Mr. Autry, John 8:44 tells us that not all of us are God’s children.
How far down the list do you have to go to find a song that explicitly mentions Jesus Christ?
That takes you all the way down to #58 on the list, “O Come All Ye Faithful” by Nat King Cole. And don’t bother looking for “Joy to the World” or “Away in a Manger.”
This Christmas, don’t forget the Reason for the season! And if you’re looking for Christmas music that points to the Savior tune into VCYRadio.org!
