Singalong

Sing to the Lord, who has done glorious things; proclaim this throughout all the earth. – Isaiah 12:5 (CEB) 

We’re halfway through Advent and I guarantee that wherever I am right now, I’m listening to Christmas carols. You can roll your eyes or write a theological exhortation against the blasphemy of interrupting Advent with premature holiday cheer, but I won’t be turning down the volume anytime soon. 

December is overflowing with amplified work responsibilities and fraught family expectations with a garland of grief draped across my shoulders wherever I go. Christmas carols carry me away from the annual anxiety and reorient my spirit to the story born in God’s love.  

It’s not an original balm; I stole the idea from the prophet Isaiah. In the midst of exile, when trying to figure out how to inspire people who are terrorized, traumatized, and tired, Isaiah stops preaching and starts singing. He sings the Israelites lines from familiar psalms and the song of Miriam. He sings to them the music of their heart, knowing that it will echo back tidings of comfort and joy. 

If you’re experiencing a December where all is calm and all is bright, feel free to plug your ears and patiently, piously wait for Christmas Eve to sing out your first carol. But if you need an early reminder of what all the Advent preparation is for, then come all ye faithful to Bethlehem where we’ll sing with choirs of angels and sing in exultation. In a world that craves comfort from a God who says nothing can separate us from Her love, what are we waiting for? 

Prayer
When my life is a mess, God, sing me your song.

About the Author
Ellis Miller serves as the Designated Pastor of Granby Congregational Church, UCC and is the author of Only Work Sundays: A Laidback Guide to Doing Less while Helping Your Church Thrive.