The Joy of Christmas Music

There’s something about singing Christmas songs that fill our hearts with joy.

I just participated in my first Christmas Cantata. I have attended them before, but being on the singing side as opposed to the listening side was a completely different matter altogether. It’s an entirely different way to share our faith. This particular piece wove traditional Christmas songs with newly written ones and produced some beautiful results. Being a writer more than a singer, I’m a lover of words. I hadn’t taken time to read the narration before the songs and when I heard some of the words for the first time, I was moved to tears.

It was written by Joseph Martin and his words included, “When truth and tune are bonded together, each anthem can bring us closer to peace, love, and joy at the very heart of our spiritual quest.” and  “When adoration moves us towards authentic worship and when we think of all wonders the season brings… how can we help from singing?”

I found those words so profound. The Bible is full of examples of a call to sing praises to the Lord. Psalm 98:4 says, “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music.”

Traditional Christmas songs do just that. Think about some of your favorites. “Joy to the world. The Lord is come; let earth receive her King. And heav’n and nature sing.” What about, “Oh come let us adore Him!” There’s also, “Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king!”

My mama and my sister and I, used to always sing those songs on our drive into town. She was teaching her little ones the true meaning of Christmas way before we were old enough to grasp it. Music has a way of connecting us and touching us in an entirely different way than other forms of worship. According to my pastor, it hits a part of the brain that logic and reason sometimes miss.

God surely knows this since He designed our brains. I think it’s really awesome that we are encouraged by the Bible, His word, to sing to Him. We are encouraged to engage in worship creatively. That little nugget alone, fills me with peace and joy. God never misses a detail, not a single step.

I’ve always loves Christmas songs of all kinds and I’ve always been one to sing if the notion struck me. My kids are way past being embarrassed by it. Oh, if life could be a musical! But, it is in its own way, nature is filled with song, music that was created by God himself.

Most worship services are filled with song as well. My participation in the Christmas Cantata was one of the most spiritual experiences I have had in quite some time. As I raised my voice along with others to proclaim the birth of Christ for the congregation, I almost felt like I could fly. I wonder if that’s how the angels felt the night they were proclaiming the good news to the shepherds.

Buddy, in the movie, “Elf,” once said, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” I think he had a point. If you need a little Christmas joy, try singing songs of adoration. If you don’t like singing in front of people, try the shower. God doesn’t care what your voice sounds like or where you sing. All praise is music to Him. Give it a try. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Have an awesome day!

Wendy 🙂