Christmas Caroling
Christmas caroling has long been a part of the holiday tradition. In the early days of England, people would travel from house to house during the colder months to speak words of good tidings and well wishes to their neighbors. The tradition eventually morphed into singing Christmas songs or carols of joy and blessing to those around whether in homes, in churches, on the street corners, or in shopping malls. The central idea was one of community.
It is a joy to offer well wishes to our neighbors and community anytime of the year, especially when it stems from the joy of the Lord in our hearts. But Christmas is a special time. This past Sunday, about 24 of us had the privilege of Christmas caroling to our neighbors at the Country View Assisted Living and West Haven Healthcare facilities. Because it involves praising God and extending well wishes to another, I think the Lord blessed our time richly.
Even though the group had never sung together before, the music (thank you Pr. Yasu and Renae for playing the guitar) and the voices sounded amazing ! I'm sure the Holy Spirit played a role in that. It was wonderful to be with the residents even for a short time and speak words of hope to them. I think we know that, for many of them, Christmas is a difficult or lonely time of the year. Yet, there was joy in singing and being together! I'm sure the Holy Spirit played a role in that too. Ephesians 5:18b-19 says, "Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord."
It may seem like an act of charity to go and sing to these neighbors, but it's not. We have an amazing God who fills us up when we seek to encourage others with the hope and joy of the Lord. I think if you ask any of the folks that went on Sunday, they would agree, we were the ones that were blessed. I pray that you will be filled with the Spirit this Christmas season. That you will have a song in your heart as you celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior.
God bless,
Pastor Darren
