December 22

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December 22

I don’t know about you, but the Christmas season means singing to me. Hymns and carols of the season are the greatest part of what I remember from the past. Special concerts, events, and performances are a whirlwind in my mind when I think of what the season brings to me.

I believe this is true for many; without the songs of Christmas we are stuck with the other senses, with some noise thrown in. Christmas music calms the soul, focuses our thoughts, and directs our actions towards saying and doing the things that honor this child of God who came to us as a babe.

Psalm 89 tells us to sing. I know of no better way to articulate our feelings of this marvelous season than by lifting up the Kingdom carols and hymns of the Advent and Christmas seasons. Even those who normally refrain from singing lift their voices in some way during this season, because it feels wrong not to do so.

No one cares what you sound like at Christmas - it is all one joyful noise to the Lord during this time of year. You may feel you are not worthy to sing sometimes, or not good enough to sing sometimes, or someone may hear you (oh no!). During this season of good cheer, let your heart overcome all those feelings; sing for joy, sing for the child of God who comes to take away our sins, sing so others may know it is, indeed, fine for them to sing as well.

“I will sing of the lovingkindness of the Lord forever.”

Jim Vernon