“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous songs and sing praises.” For many of us, the carols and songs of Christmas are an important part of what makes the season special. When else do we go and sing to our friends who are in care facilities or who don’t get out as much as they used to? Almost everyone – even people who don’t go to church – can sing at least the first verse of the well-known carols. These familiar tunes evoke memories of school or church programs, of the radio playing in the background while you made cookies with your mom, or of passing the light of Christ at the end of the Christmas Eve service.
While we often think about what these songs mean to us, I’m not sure we always consider what it must mean to God to hear us singing them. I can imagine God taking great joy when we sing songs with gladness and praise. I can imagine God laughing along with us when children sing, “…in a one-horse open sleigh-HEY!” How differently would you sing the carols if you knew that God was listening? Which Christmas carol or song brings you joy?
As a form of prayer and praise, find a recording of that song and sing along as if God were there in the room with you.
