1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (CSB)

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There is a group of people who sing Christmas carols all year round. Their playlists of Christmas classics stand atop their music apps. I freely confess and joyfully declare that I count myself among those who whistle and hum these tunes regardless of calendar dates or weather conditions. 

Sometimes it is the tune that sticks in our minds. Other times, its words are arranged just so. Most of the time, it’s both. The right music and the right words paired and performed with grace and elegance cannot help but stir the soul. 

I hear the voices of Bing Crosby and Perry Como in my head as I sing certain classics. I sing these most often when I’m alone because, unfortunately, I sound more like Kermit the Frog than Perry or Bing. 

Something about truth enriched with warm chords and soft expression soothes and comforts and tells us how all things will one day be. 

Singing Silent Night in front of a large cedar Christmas tree in a small church in a small town as a small six-year-old brought home the true meaning of Christmas to my heart. The red on my nose was due to an allergic response to the tree. The red on my cheeks was due to the shock of recognition that Christmas meant so much more than presents and bows. 

Every child in our Sunday School class received a new Bible the previous Sunday. Every child except me. It was my first Sunday, and no one had thought to have an extra Bible for a guest. 

The empty space beneath the tree as we sang “all is calm, all is bright,” told me in the gentlest manner that Christmas is not about toys and such but about a greater gift that all of our songs, boxes, and bows pointed to as declarations of God’s goodness and love for all people everyone. 

“Christ the Savior is born; Christ the Savior is born.”

New birth leads to new birth. Life begets life. 

How could we not sing carols all year long? 

Curate your own favorite tunes. Sing about snow on the Fourth Of July. Sing O Holy Night in the worst traffic jam of your life. Belt out, O Come All Ye Faithfulas you sweep and mop. Some songs are too big for one season alone. 

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I will sing carols all year long.

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Our Father, thank you for the gift of music that emphasizes our praise and thanksgiving. It magnifies our loving expressions. It comforts us in life’s darkest moments. Thank you for this season. Thank you that we can carry this season with us all year long. Amen.