Christmas Musical Memories
Music has always been an important part of our lives, especially at Christmas. In my childhood, we would gather around with me on the piano and my brothers on guitars and sing Christmas carols. During my girls’ growing up, we would do the same.
We were blessed at that time to attend a church where children were always involved in musicals with which I usually helped in various capacities. Our church also put on wonderful adult musicals for which I usually got to help sew costumes. Christmastime always meant busyness with wonderfully energetic people who worked to produce well-organized, meaningful performances. I will always be thankful for those opportunities.
I had energy back then. It was wonderful. Sigh.
One of the funniest things that happened at Christmas was when Coleen, our pastor’s wife, and I were going to play a four hand Hallelujah Chorus. In the middle of the piece, music started sliding from the music rack onto the floor. Thankfully, some quick thinking person grabbed the music and settled it back to its proper place. We didn’t do too badly, considering.
The ornaments in this post were gifts from a sweet group of ladies who sang together. That was back in the day when ‘specials’ were accepted in the church service. As the three ladies sang and I played the piano for them, we had lots of grins and giggles. The Joy Belles brought me joy then, and the memories bring me joy now as I continue to use the presents they gave.
Luke 2 shares the story of the shepherds in the field as the angel of the Lord appeared and told them ‘I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.’ ‘And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
We always assume from the number of songs written about this event that the angels sang the words. Maybe so, maybe no. Since the angels in heaven will sing a new song, maybe this was an old one. I like to think they had a magnificent tune to accompany the marvelous words – words and music that rang in the shepherds’ heads long after they returned from worshipping the perfect Lamb of God.
Surely, Mary sang her little Man a lullaby. What did it sound like? As quick as she was to come up with what is called the Magnificat, I’ll bet you a quarter she came up with a tune or two to serenade her special Baby!
Doesn’t matter though, does it? The Bible talks about singing over 400 times! As I tell everyone who says they can’t sing, God doesn’t care. ‘Make a joyful noise’ fits many of us. It’s the attitude of the heart as we worship in song that matters. Since the Scripture states that God inhabits the praises of His people, doesn’t it seem right to you to follow Psalm 47:6? ‘Sing praises to God, sing praises to our King, sing praises!’
As we celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus, may we honor King Jesus this holiday season with joyful songs of praise!
Blessings
KB
