Last night my wife and I joined a dozen of our friends to sing Christmas Carols at two dozen homes in our park where we’d been told people might need cheering up. Caroling is something I’ve done over sixty years, and it’s always been enjoyable.
God’s people developed the Christmas festival during the
Middle Ages as a reminder of His great gift to us in the Christchild, and they
chose December 25, replacing the pagan festival of Saturnalia which also featured
evergreens and gifts, parties and singing.
Christians have sung God’s praises since the First Century
and have written songs of His son’s birth since the Seventh century. English Christmas
Carols appeared around the Twelfth Century and have captivated the hearts both
singers and listeners ever since.
Last night we sang the first verse of 3-4 carols at each
home, concluding with “We Wish You a
Merry Christmas” and heading off to the next. Sometimes we’ve given Christmas
sweets, but if there are many places to visit, we keep moving till we’ve
stopped at each one.
Due to our long list, last night we divided into two groups,
visiting 12-16 homes each and riding in golf carts. Singers may also walk or
ride in cars, and one memorable year we rode around town on a decorated flatbed
pulled by a team of Clydesdales. The frost on the trees that afternoon made the
event magical.
Caroling is done to bring Christmas joy to those
who listen, as well as to those who sing. Psalm 96:1 says, “Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things.”
The quality of our singing doesn’t matter. The point of it all is to share God’s
message of forgiveness and love. If you have a chance to sing Christmas carols to
others this year, join in. You’ll be glad you did.
“For this I will sing praises to Your name, Oh Lord.” (2 Sam. 22:50)
Rev. Bob Tasler,
www.bobtasler.com
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