For the last several months, I, along with our whole choir, have been memorizing the music for our Christmas concert. For the first time ever, we were “off book” for the entire program. Memorization for most of us was challenging, but our director encouraged us, and repeatedly said, “You can do this.” And we did.
Many of those in attendance said we sounded the best ever, undoubtedly, because we had our noses out of the music, were looking up, and watching the director.
In this season of music, here are a few things to remember:
Music Lifts Us
A sweet friend came to our Christmas concert on the first anniversary of her husband’s death. For her, the beauty of the music lifted her spirits on what she described as a dark day. Music has that ability; the power to lift us above difficult days, impossible situations, and seasons of grief.
After Jim’s death, for months, I woke up at 2:00 a.m. and stayed awake for hours. In those hours of wakefulness, I sometimes felt unreasonable panic. Music calmed me. The only way I could fall asleep again was to listen to music. Music changes our perception.
Music Blesses Those Participating and Hearing
Singing has always been part of my life. I learned to hear, and sing, the alto part sitting on the porch swing between my mother’s two sisters, who were both altos. The whole family sat on the porch on summer evenings and sang. My grandmother taught piano and voice. I sang in children’s choirs, a college ensemble, and at 17, was asked to join the “adult” choir at church. That was over 50 years ago, and singing in the choir is still very much a part of my life.
Joining your voice with others to praise the Lord is an exhilarating experience. Blending your voice with those around you brings joy. Realizing those voices are a fragrant offering to our Creator enhances the experience even more.
Music Reminds Us
Words are powerful, but words set to music soak in and stay with us. This is particularly true with scripture set to music.
Music reminds us of God’s faithfulness and goodness, and provides confidence that spurs forward motion. Music helps us remember joy is present even when we are dealing with hardship.
Music from the Heart
What are you feeling this Christmas? Is this year hard because of a diagnosis, abandonment, an absent loved one, or a general sense of malaise?
Sometimes, feelings take over and make it seem impossible to experience joy in this season of light and love. But, with time, feelings change. Times of darkness give way to light.
No matter what you’re going through this Christmas, allow music to soothe your soul and bring you great joy.
Music comes from the heart when you can praise God even when life is hard.
“My heart is confident, O God. My heart is confident. I want to sing and make music” (Psalm 57:7 GW).
“Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19b NIV).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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