Embrace the Season Through Songs of Praise.
One of the most meaningful moments of the day was singing Christmas carols together and observing the genuine joy and enthusiasm my children expressed.
Classic carols such as “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” evoke cherished memories and remind us that Jesus is the reason for our celebration.
Christmas carols, traditionally sung during this season, mark the beginning of a cherished time that unites us.
Reflecting on our favorite Christmas memories, caroling stands out for its power to inspire shared joy and faith. Caroling is a gospel act of communal hope, reminding us of the joy and excitement that come with the celebration of Jesus. This idea of unity and shared celebration is what makes caroling so impactful during the holiday season.
Need some Carolers this holiday? Join us as we bring Christmas cheer! Christmas lifts our joy with the powerful message of God coming to be with us, Emmanuel.
1. Mary’s Song
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,” (vv. 46-47). It is part of Mary’s song, also known as the Magnificat, where she expresses her gratitude and praise to God after learning that she will be conceived by the Holy Spirit and bear Jesus, the Son of God.
As an outline of Luke’s account, we witness Jesus’s birth announced (Luke 1:26-38). Here, Mary’s song is a powerful anthem of hope for all mankind as she magnifies Jesus.
According to information on the Magnificat, “Magnificat” refers to the song Mary sings after visiting Elizabeth, who is also miraculously pregnant. The term Magnificat comes from Latin, meaning to magnify.
As Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “The song of Mary is the oldest Advent hymn. It is at once the most passionate, the wildest, one might even say the most revolutionary Advent hymn ever sung. This is not the gentle, tender, dreamy Mary whom we sometimes see in paintings; this is that passionate, surrendered, proud, enthusiastic Mary who speaks out here. This song has none of the sweet, nostalgic, or even playful tones of some of our Christmas carols. It is instead a hard, strong, inexorable song about collapsing thrones and humbled lords of this world, about the power of God and the powerlessness of humankind.”
Keep our eyes pointed up and your heart in your worship! Instead of suggesting that we were ‘foreseen by Mary,’ it might be clearer to say that Mary’s song acknowledges the significance of Jesus’s birth, which heralds hope and salvation for all generations. Her praise and proclamation of God’s truths highlight the promise of a savior for humanity, a light that continues to shine brightly for us today.
2. Zechariah’s Song
“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from old.” (Luke 1:68-70).
The promise of the Messiah is found in the Old Testament. But from the last book in the Old Testament, Malachi, until the first book in the New Testament, Matthew, there are 400 years. For those 400 years, God had not spoken. (“Intertestamental Period” 2025)
Zechariah’s story is a powerful reflection of hope and faith, encouraging us to trust in God’s plan even in times of silence. Zechariah might not be at the top of everybody’s “Christmas favorites” list, but his story is so powerful for finding God’s peace today.
Do you ever wonder if God has forgotten about your prayer? Well, this is a powerful reminder of our prayer of hope and what it teaches us about trusting God in seasons of waiting. Zechariah and Elizabeth had prayed for a child for decades, until one day God broke the silence.
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isa 7:14).
If you would, it was “The Silent Word” where Zechariah began in doubt, but God met him with grace and fulfilled every promise. As we are reminded here in Zechariah’s Song, God always hears our prayers. His prayer invites us to believe that God is still working in our lives even when we cannot see it.
3. Angel’s Song
“The angels appeared and sang, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased.’” (Luke 2:14).
Christmas started with a song. Makes me sing the song lyrics as if Angels are inviting all people to sing glory to God, “Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest.”
Christmas indeed is the most wonderful time of the year! Well, with the colors and songs, it may be easy for us to say, but back then, it seemed dark and scary in the historical context. On the night Jesus was born, shepherds near Bethlehem were watching their sheep. A huge crowd of angels filled the dark sky with brightness. The exact date or even the year of Jesus’ birth remains unknown.
According to Colossians 1:19–20, “For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” (Col 1:19-20).
Why did Jesus come? To save us from sin! Hallelujah! It’s Christmas. May the Lord our God give you grace and peace. The Christmas story tells us how we can be rescued from our sin. The angel announced, “A Savior has been born!” He said this birth is “for you.”
4. Simeon’s Song
“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word;” (Luke 2:29). Simeon’s story is that of a man who was “righteous and devout, who was waiting for the consolation of Israel.”
This baby’s path would be long and difficult, but the journey would guarantee salvation for all. His victory is our victory. May we never take this truth for granted, but look at it through the eyes of sheer wonder, amazement, and gratitude.
Joseph and Mary came to rest in a common stable. According to a historical account, Jesus was most likely born in a cave-like space rather than a traditional stable, and while it was simple and humble, it provided warmth and safety. When Jesus was born, He was laid in as a manager.
“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from old, from ancient days.” (Micah 5:2).
In that little town of Bethlehem, which means “house of bread,” Jesus, the one who said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35). The significance of Jesus being born in this ‘house of bread’ extends to today; it symbolizes spiritual sustenance and abundance offered to all.
When fear rises within our lives during this season, we can find security in the peace of the child wrapped in cloth to comfort our souls. The story of Simeon and Anna reminds us that joy comes not from instant gratification, but a lifetime of faithful devotion, and that the work of Christmas begins now.
Christmas is All About Jesus
“For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:16-17). The Lord Jesus came to seek and to save those who were lost. In the incarnation, God Himself became man and dwelt among us. He came not to condemn the world, but to save the world.
My favourite moment of December is singing Christmas carols together with my kids. The joy and exuberance they express in song are truly heartwarming. As the renowned Buddy from Elf said it well, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!”
One of the most joyful sounds of the season is the singing of carols. As Augustine said it well, “He who sings prays twice!”
How can you bring cheer this season for Jesus’ sake? When you give, you give hope. Christmas Carolling in the neighbourhood never gets old. This is a beautiful opportunity to share the joy of Jesus, lift spirits, and bring smiles to our community this holiday season. Let’s fill every home with the warmth of song and the spirit of Christmas.
Christmas centers on the celebration of Jesus Christ. Let us intentionally focus on Him and remember His coming. As you reflect during this season, consider the significance of Jesus in your life.