During the holiday season, symbols of Christ surround us. Christmas decorations, traditions, and music on the radio all point to the Savior. The spirit of the season sometimes seems to fade once January rolls around, and the music is switched off, but types, shadows, and symbols of Christ surround us beyond December 25th.
The Savior reminds us:
“…all things bear record of me.” (Moses 6:63)
Earlier this year, I was given a challenge to find something that reminded me of the Savior every day, without it was something spiritual or temporal. I kept finding myself over and picking up on songs that would make me think about God or Christ. It’s amazing how religion is such an important topic in some maybe song. We can even find Jesus on the mainstream radio, when we take the time to listen.
Here are three artists who’ve kept Christ on our playlist:
1. U2
I first learned to pay attention to the shadows and symbols of Christ from mainstream artists when I was 12 years old at a church activity about choosing uplifting music. My original assumption about this activity was that we would hear all about classical music or hymns, but our leaders taught us that there were good songs be on the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. U2 has many songs full of religious lyrics. Here’s on a few examples:
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For:
You broke the bonds and you
You loosened the chains
You carried the cross
Of my shame
You know I believe it
40 (Based off Psalm 40)
I waited patiently for the Lord
He inclined and heard my cry
He brought me up out of the pit
Out of the miry clay
And I will sing
Sing a new song
Pride (In the Name of Love)
One man come in the name of love
One man come and go
One man come he to justify
One man to overthrow…
One man betrayed with a kiss
In the name of love
What more in the name of love
In the name of love
What more in the name of love
Hearing many popular songs taught me about finding that good music of all kinds can remind us of Christ. I was also introduced to my favorite band, U2.
2. Depeche Mode
Before digital playlists or CDs, one of my best friends gave me a mix tape. Across the front of this tape was written in large print the words:
My mom soon asked me to explain. “What’s that song about?” I remember feeling a bit teenage angst in having to defend my choice of music. “It’s not bad. It’s about being like Jesus for another person.” One of the original band members explains, “It’s a song about being a Jesus for somebody else, someone to give you hope and care.”
Personal Jesus
Your own personal Jesus
Someone to hear your prayers
Someone who cares
Your own personal Jesus
Someone to hear your prayers
Someone who's there
When we do things for others, we are serving our Savior. (See Mosiah 2:17) This song helped remind me that Jesus wants us to treat other people the He would.
3. Carrie Underwood
I don’t usually listen to country music, but I saw an interview of Carrie Underwood discussing one of her some songs. She explained, ""Something in the Water" is so inspirational. It's so joyous! I can't help but smile when I hear it. I hope it has the same effect on everyone who listens to it." (September 26, 2014) USAToday.com.
Something in the Water
Couldn't fight back the tears so I fell on my knees
Saying, "God, if you're there come and rescue me."
Felt love pouring down from above
Got washed in the water, washed in the blood
And now I'm changed
And now I'm stronger
There must be something in the water
Oh, there must be something in the water
And now I'm singing along to amazing grace
Can't nobody wipe this smile off my face
Got joy in my heart, angels on my side
Thank God almighty, I saw the light
Gonna look ahead, no turning back
Live everyday, give it all that I have
Trust in someone bigger than me
Ever since the day that I believed
This song surprised me! It’s amazing to me that a mainstream artist would be so open about sharing her experiences on being changed and stronger by following Christ and being baptized. It sure does seem to me that it couldn’t get much closer to teaching about our Savior.
This list of songs that stand as symbols of Jesus could go on and on. Music that can remind us of Christ goes long beyond Christmas Carols and weekly hymns. Listen for symbols of Jesus on your playlist.
Here’s a few extra songs to get you started:
~ Below My Feet by Mumford and Sons
~ Cemeteries of London by Coldplay
~ Walk on Water by 30 Seconds to Mars
