Sing Along
“Sing aloud to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob. Raise a song and strike the timbrel, the pleasant harp, and the lute.” Psalm 81:1 (NIV)
Christmas is a happy time for most people, despite all the hustle and bustle and the pressures that come with the holiday. It’s a longstanding tradition that at Christmas we make room for singing in our homes, in churches, in concert halls, in schools, and even in the shopping mall. The world thrives on the music of this season, the traditional carols. They not only tell of the miraculous birth of our Savior, but they are wonderfully singable and lift our spirits.
Our focus text pictures a joyful group of people singing, accompanied by various instruments. They create an atmosphere of boundless praise and worship. Let us catch their joy and enthusiasm and strike up a tuneful note of our own as we celebrate our Savior’s birth. Blend your voice and sing, whether or not you think you can carry a tune. Raise a song to Christ our Redeemer!
Along with the timeless carols, we associate gifts with Christmas, and why not? The greatest gift of all came to us as a little Baby, and perceptive strangers traveled a long distance to give Him gifts, because they sensed the specialness of the infant. The Child grew in favor with God and man, lived a life of sorrow and privation, taught the way of righteousness, and finally laid down His life to win salvation for all humankind. The Christmas story is truly multifaceteted and should prompt us to sing with joy and gladness about the wonderful gift that came to us through “Immanuel, God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
Let us now set aside our apprehensions, fears, and misgivings about what lies ahead and sing aloud the carols of Christmas joy. Join the chorus and sing to the God of our strength as we look forward with confidence to a life in Christ in the coming year.
Always,
Judith
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“Joy to the world! The Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King:
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing.”
By Isaac Watts, English minister and composer
4 Comments
Fartema Fagin
Judith, Thanks for encouraging us to ‘Sing Aloud’. Let’s worship this season of Joy at Christmas. Thanks for drawing our attention to the joy of singing songs of praise, the hymns, and Carols. Worship is an attitude. I find myself looking at music as a bridge to cross to the other side. Music is that bridge that will hopefully help us heal from the painful political climate Americans are struggling to endure. The storm is still raging, turbulent waters are troubling many. We need a bridge to cross over to a better side, a bridge like sounds of sweet melodious music to give us hope and strengthen our faith. Give me some seasonal Carols like ‘Mary Did You Know’,, ‘Emmanuel’, ‘Silent Night, Holy Night’, and others that gives us a common focus on God our Creator.
Judith Nembhard
Well said, Fartema. The music of the season creates a cheerful, hopeful spirit. You touched on the political climate. Oh, how we need the music about the Christ Child to help us break through the gloom. Thank you for the beautiful thoughts. Merry Christmas! JN
Ramona
Very well said, Judith! Music is so powerful, no wonder King Saul hired David to play music for him when he was troubled. And how magical it is to begin singing and have our spirits lifted! I always imagine in heaven that all will sing the glorious music of Handel’s “Messiah” to our Lord and Savior. Thank you Judith, Merry Christmas, and Happy 2025!
Judith Nembhard
Ramona, you have given me a new thing to look forward to in heaven—-singing Handel’s Messiah. Perhaps just the majestic Chorus? One way or other, there will be great music in heaven, sung in triumph over sin and in homage to our King. A wonderful time ahead. Thanks for stirring our anticipation. Have a blessed and happy New Year. JN