The Music of Heaven on Earth

Sunday, I had the joy of singing in our choir Christmas presentation. This year was different. Jim wasn’t sitting in the men’s section. Unlike last year, when Jim remembered his music was still at home halfway there, I got to the church on time. After the presentation, I hugged my family, who were in attendance, but the one my heart longed for was absent.

Even in the hardest life seasons, music has the power to sooth, elevate mood, and transport beyond current problems and heartaches.

Following are thoughts on the music of heaven on earth:

Preparation

Beautiful music doesn’t just happen. Behind every glorious musical presentation are hours of practice. Our choir began working on Christmas music four months ago. I’ve been a member of the choir for fifty years, but this year, there were a few pieces I wasn’t sure I could master. I didn’t have the normal level of enthusiasm for the music, but I made myself maintain forward motion with rehearsal attendance and listening to practice tracks.

Patience

Over the years, I’ve known people who once sang or played an instrument but gave up the pursuit because of the time involved or lack of patience with mastery. I get it. I almost convinced myself this was a year to skip. Grief was a good excuse. Many Wednesday nights, I forced myself to drive to rehearsal, with a heavy heart and determination to leave rehearsal early. I never left early, because once at rehearsal, the music ministered to me so thoroughly, I wanted to stay.

As joy grew, I knew I had to be a part of our choir Christmas music. I practiced until the hard measures became rote. Ultimately, with patience and persistence, I memorized the music, so I didn’t have to be glued to my folder during the presentation.

Peace

The music of heaven on earth brings peace. The sheer joy of singing praises and phrases that told of the coming of a Redeemer, Immanuel, God with us, blanketed me with peace. The difficulties of loss faded away during those moments of worship, as music swirled around and within.

No matter what you are facing this Christmas, take time to bathe in the peace the music of heaven on earth provides. Soak up the melodies of Christmas and rejoice in the coming of King Jesus.

“Sing a new song to the Eternal; sing in one voice to the Eternal, all the earth. Sing to the Eternal of all the good things He’s done. Bless His name; broadcast the good news of His salvation each and every day. Enlighten the nations to His splendor; describe His wondrous acts to all people. For the Eternal is great indeed and praiseworthy; feared and reverenced above all gods, the True God shall be. And so, let the heavens resound in gladness! Let joy be the earth’s rhythm as the sea and all its creatures roar. Let the fields grow in triumph, a grand jubilee for all that live there. Let all the trees of the forest dig in and reach high with songs of joy before the Eternal” (Psalm 96: 1-4, 11-12 VOICE),

©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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