Perhaps you had a teacher that helped you memorize something by setting it to music. Christian Education has often utilized the power of song as well. If you grew up attending worship services regularly, you likely have a catalogue of Christian music stored in your heart and mind. When I take my guitar into a facility and sing gospel music, it is not unusual for many of the residents to sing along, or even tear up with emotion. Often people who have memory issues are still able to recall the words to favorite songs, and this seems especially true of worship music.

Of course, the tradition of faith songs goes way back, and we have many examples in the Biblical literature. The superscription to many Psalms, for instance, indicate the words were for use as liturgical music. But my favorite example is the song of Mary which we find in Luke 1:46-55. This beautiful poem begins with the famous words, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…” In her song of praise, Mary captures the very spirit of Christmas: joy which brings glory to God. We all know Christmas will be a bit different this year, but we will not let the joy and peace of the season be taken from us. We will boldly sing, as Mary did, and rejoice in God, our Savior.

Joyfully,

Paul