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Music is as much a part of the holiday season as gifts, reminiscing about Christmases past and, yes, even Santa Claus.
For most people, it is uplifting that so much of the music heard at this time of the year does not ignore the fact that the reason for the holiday season is the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago -- the birth that the world celebrates today.
There would be no Christmas if Jesus had not sacrificed himself by coming to Earth to try to save mankind from the ravages of sin and the possibility of eternal damnation.
Unfortunately, amid the hustle and bustle of these last weeks of the year, that fact often is given only minimal attention outside of religious services, not only in America but in most other places around the world.
Meanwhile, like a well-prepared and well-delivered homily during a religious service, music has the capacity to arouse attention and add clarity to an issue or point at hand.
And, even some musical lyrics sung for the first time many years ago remain relevant today during this year's celebration of the Christmas miracle.
One part of the lyrics of "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" is an appropriate example, providing a reminder of the many problems facing the world at this time.
"And in despair I bowed my head; there is no peace on earth I said. For hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men."
No person with knowledge of what is happening in this country and in other parts of the world today -- Christmas Day -- would argue that peace is enveloping the world.
It certainly isn't.
Actually, America and other nations are engaged in wars on many fronts, most of those wars not involving guns or other forms of weaponry.
There are the battles being waged against the pandemic, against sexual abuse, against discrimination, against domestic violence; the list beyond those four fronts is long.
Christmas is regarded as a holiday offering hope, but the coronavirus and its variants have put hope to a serious test.
Christmas is regarded as a holiday when generosity shines, but the generosity of many people and groups has been sidetracked by what COVID-19 has wrought.
The tornadoes earlier this month erased any possibility of a traditional Christmas for most people in their paths -- and devastated those who lost family members and friends in the weather onslaught.
In December 2019, the parish bulletin of St. John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown published a list of eight gifts that don't cost even a penny. They were identified as the gifts of listening, affection, laughter, a written note, compliment, a favor, solitude and cheerful disposition.
Amid all that is happening in this country at this time, as well as in other places around the world, all eight are relevant for now and going forward.
"There is no peace on earth I said. For hate is strong and mocks the song . . . ."
For those who believe in the power of prayer, this is a Christmas needing a big dose of such a remedy, along with compassion, concern and love.
Meanwhile, if Christmas bells could guarantee peace, the sound of them would be deafening.
No doubt Santa would agree.