One technique used by musical composers is ‘variations on a theme,’ the theme being a short passage of several measures. They may work it into the bass line of the music or use it with different instrumentation for effect, then repeat it in a slower movement, this time with harmonies, or make it the counter melody. As we listen, we may be unaware of the ‘fun’ the composer is having, seeing how many differences can be produced by this singular method. Or we may hear it but have no idea what to call it. This cleverness reveals the musician’s mastery of composition, not to mention the performer’s skill of execution.
This is not unique to the world of music, however. As we enter the season of Advent, I’m noticing this same thing! The birth of Jesus is celebrated with Christmas Pageants, Sunday School Programs, Choir Cantatas (for a while it was in vogue to present these concerts as a Living Christmas Tree, with chorists on risers tapered to the top to represent a tree, the whole thing draped in greenery, red ornaments and white lights. Sometimes these extravaganzas were performed outside! brr). Jesus’ birth is also presented as a commercial ‘moment’ with every store and business putting up Christmas trees and decorations, running ‘sales’ events. Here in the US, the official kick-off the Christmas event is a thing called Black Friday (many are just now recovering from yesterday’s mayhem). Enterprises offer parties, and sometimes bonuses, for their employees. There are also parades, more Christmas music than most can bear to hear (especially store clerks who hear the same songs ad infinitum from October thru January. And Jesus’ birthday is a national holiday in most western nations. We further celebrate with the purchase of trees to decorate in our homes, gift giving, Christmas travel, Christmas dinners. Of course, Santa, or Father Christmas (Père Noël to French children), makes his appearance ostensibly for the birthday. Yep. Variations on a Theme.
Of course, in all these ‘variations’ the main character can get eclipsed in the fray. We hear things like ‘Christmas is all about the children.’ ‘Christmas is all about family.’ ‘Christmas is all about the parties.’ and on and on. Elves and reindeer and Santa and his sleigh are all widely accepted while displays of nativity scenes are banned. The singing of Christmas carols is OK because it’s cultural (one can overlook the message of those songs) but Jesus is the ‘fly in the ointment.’ It’s only his birthday after all. For us, though, each year we celebrate Jesus’ arrival, his bursting onto the scene of humanity to light up the darkness, forgive sin and set us free. Looking forward to seeing all you set free people tomorrow, 10 AM, 3 PM UK, 4 PM ES. PD
