To make Jesus weep with joy

Mat Burkepile plays the violin in St. Peter Church in Lindsay, where he serves as director of music. (NTC/Thomas Otto)

This reflection is one of eight written by musicians from across our diocese as part of Songs of the Seasons, a series celebrating the beauty and meaning of Christmas music. Follow along the series [here]!

Second Day in the Christmas Octave: A perspective on Christmas music from Mat Burkepile, director of Music, St. Peter Parish, Lindsay

I I have been playing musical instruments since I was young. My main talent is in violin. I played violin since I was in fourth grade and this took me all the way to earning a master’s in music.

Due to the shortage of organists in the world today, I learned organ to better serve the Church. I took private lessons but also listened to a dear friend and organist from my childhood who was able to teach with great experience with a simple sentence. 

My current role fits me very well. I love Church music; I love making music; I love discovering and sharing music; and I love passing on music to the next generation.

I take every opportunity to be the Church’s champion for all things music. And it’s not just inside the walls of the church. I help the local college with events; I have helped local schools with music; and I help the broader Catholic community by writing and performing music for EWTN’s ChurchPop on occasion.

Old faithful

“O Come All Ye Faithful” really sets the tone for Christmas. We know the angels, shepherds, and wise men were inspired to come and see the newborn king. That song always makes me feel like a part of that great moment in history. It’s also a very old but popular song that reaches many different people and generations. 

“Come and behold Him, born the King of Angels” is a great lyric for setting the stage for Mass.

Joy and wonder

I am filled with wonder when I watch the community “come and adore Him” and join in the life of Jesus. As a man, I don’t admit to crying very often, but this song reminds me that the Church is the bride of Christ. When the church doors opened at my own wedding I couldn’t help but be amazed at the beauty of my wife. I was so happy I couldn’t help but cry. 

I hope when the music strikes up,  Jesus looks at us, His people, and cries with joy in the same way.

Eternal music

I think the Church has done such a good job teaching us at a young age about Jesus’ birth that we really attach to that hope in a very real way in our everyday life. As a result, we hear Christmas music differently than we do everyday hymns. They have a timelessness. 

But, the message at Christmas is clear: Mary’s yes leads us to changing our attitudes, and that allows Jesus to enter our lives in a positive yet simple way.

Ready and able

I secretly carry my violin around in my truck, starting at Thanksgiving until Christmas. If I drive past a musician on a street corner. I take the time to join them (if they want me to), just to bring Christmas to everyone possible.

Starting young

A favorite Christmas hymn from my childhood is “Gesu Bambino.” It is the first Christmas song I played at Mass with my older brother. I was terrified but I learned of the love and support of the Catholic music community. Having support and lots of practice, the song became a beautiful treasure that I love. 

Honorable mention: the “O Christmas Tree” specifically from the movie “Ernest Saves Christmas.” Like Ernest, sometimes we sing Christmas songs and don’t really know the words. It was meant to be comedy, but it was very real! 

My children’s choir loves “Silent Night.” Being a community of German ancestry, they love learning about their culture. It also helps that there are, to the English speaker, funny sounding words. They enjoy it on so many levels, and it builds a sense of community and history.

Music to share

I grew up on hymns like "Be not afraid" and "On Eagles wings". and I love them very much. In college we did Praise and worship music such as "Sanctuary" and "God of Wonders Beyond our Galaxy" and they were very emotional for me. Where I am now there is a very traditional congregation and I love "Joyful Joyful" and "Nearer my God to thee." As a classical musician, I tell people to look at Mozart's "Ave Verum," Schubert's "Ave Maria," and as a bonus, anything by Thomas Tallis, especially "If Ye Love Me" —  I love it all.

Christmas music blends new and old better that newer or older hymns. Again, they are timeless. I love Music!

Ask for Jesus!

I think we need to not be afraid to ask shopping centers to play hymns. I know that in the general public companies have a hard line to walk with religious songs.  I generally don't hear what I think of as Christmas songs at the store. I hear songs about winter joy or Santa Claus or songs about what families do during Christmas.

I would love to hear the name of Jesus boldly sang while I shop.

I love knowing that Jesus was born to save us as our King. Handel's "Messiah" or other songs that are found in the hymnal would be welcome additions to playlists.

More Jesus! That's why I am celebrating. I will say WRR in Dallas does a wonderful job with Christmas music and concerts. I am very happy with them on the radio and online.

Editor's Note: This excerpt has been edited for brevity and clarity by the editor.

By Mat Burkepile, director of Music, St. Peter Parish, Lindsay