Christmas Carols
December at the Grocery Store
One of the joys of Christmas is that I hear worship music playing while I shop at the grocery store. It’s piped in Christmas music on tape, but as I move among the boxes of cereal and jars of mayonnaise, I am in awe of the experience of worshiping my Savior in public. When no one shops near me, I sing quietly aloud. As customers walk by, I continue in silence, choking back tears, moved by the experience.
The sacred songs are mixed between renditions of “Rudolph” and “White Christmas,” but when “Joy to the World” or “Hark, the Herald Angel Sings” starts up, I find my heart touched at the wonder of the words. People have been singing many of these carols for over a hundred years. Because I’ve sung them for decades, I have most of the verses memorized. I don’t remember a Christmas in my life without them.
Meditating on Sacred Lyrics
My mind can sometimes tune out when I sing these old carols in church. The words and music happen almost without thinking. When I’m singing at the grocery store, the lyrics and melodies come alive. I want to savor every word, appreciating the power and beauty of their meaning. Somehow being in the midst of people, many of whom may not yet know Jesus, draws my heart to worship Him in the intent of His coming.
Oh, how our world needs Jesus! The sins of this world bring such sorrow. He came to turn mourning to joy, create beauty out of ashes, and bring hope from despair. He came to give a broken world the gift of His righteousness and peace. He came to offer us eternal life with Him.
Intentional Listening
This year I believe the Holy Spirit is inviting me to slow down and listen with my heart and mind as I sing the treasured carols. And not just at the grocery store, but everywhere I hear them. Will you join me?
“O holy night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O holy night, O night!”
–”O Holy Night”*
Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
*O Holy Night, by Placide Cappeau, John S. Dwight, Public Domain