“. . . Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and playing to the Lord in your heart.” (Ephesians 5:18-19)
The Sound of Music is not only my favorite movie, but perhaps the story of my life. One of my favorite parts of the movie is when Maria, the main character begins to sing about her favorite things. I too have been known to break into song, singing out loud, and recounting my favorite thing without a warning. Whenever I do, Christmas ranks at the top of the favorite things list.
I am grateful that the Christmas spirit lasts a whole season long. I savor every moment. What is it about Christmas that makes my heart soar into a joy filled melody? Not waiting for the first snowfall? No way, I live in the South. Is it the wonder in the eyes of the little children awaiting Santa to magically descend down their chimney to bring them a sack full of toys with their name on it? Is it the mouthwatering food delights, unusual beverages and tasty treats displayed festively on the table for one big celebration? Is it the sound of Christmas carols sung for all who will listen? Is it the holiday parties, presents wrapped under the tree, or seeing family and friends? These enchantments of Christmas charm are treasured indeed, but still not my favorite part of the holiday.
Christmas is a time of year when everyone seems to hear the sound of music ringing in their hearts. They seem to be living the message that the angels sang on that first Christmas morn. They even are able to remember the words and not just hum the melody. Can you name that tune? “Joy to the World the Lord has come. Let earth receive her King.” Heaven and earth begin to rejoice in unison. Peace on Earth good will toward men looks attainable.
Christmas time brings to life those that have gotten so busy, bogged down, and preoccupied to even stop and enjoy their world and the people who share it with them. Their ears have become deafened to the tune. They can barely recognize the notes that are being sung all around them. What delights my heart during Christmas is that the music is heard loud and clear. The message is lived with joy. Christmas gives people something to smile about. Love rules in the hearts of mankind and they readily get on the road of peace.
If every day were Christmas, what a wonderful world it would be! There would be a rainbow in the sky and no one would miss seeing the view. Broken hearts would be mended by a kind word. Children would be treasured. The lame would walk on the waters of life with someone taking their hand. The blind would see the beauty all around them. Marriages would blossom in love for one another. The naked would be clothed and the hungry would sleep with a full belly. If every day were Christmas, what a wonderful world this would be!
In order for every day to be Christmas, each of us needs to hear the music for ourselves. We need to learn the words, sing them out and then teach the world to sing. Do you hear the angels singing deep in your heart? Peace on Earth good will to men? What a joy that would be to the world if everyone let the reason for the season ring in their hearts 365 days a year.
Do not let the business of life deafen your ears to the words of the Christmas song. Singing the song out loud and spreading the Christmas message, if we each learn to see with the eyes of faith and hear with the heart of love, we will always live a life full of hope. The world around us will begin to hum the melody along with us. Soon they will memorize the words and before we know it, a choir of mankind will burst into song. All because we chose to learn the tune.
Please don’t let the Christmas Spirit leave you, once the last present is opened, the last guest is waved a fond, So Long, Farewell, and the last ornament is packed away. If you want every day to be Christmas, it has to begin in your heart. Listen to the sound of music; it is ringing. Sing the song of Christmas out loud. Make it a joyful noise; one for all to hear. It will surprise you who will follow the music. It will surprise you more who will begin to sing their own melody out loud. Do not let any one silence your song. Sing the song even if you are the only one singing. It will still make a difference. The tune will never be silence.
“Joy to the world, the Lord has come, let earth receive her King. Let Heaven and earth rejoice!! Let there be peace on Earth and good will toward all men!
If you are looking for me I will be singing a merry tune and enjoying the season all year long with peace reigning in my heart. Do you want to join me?
The Challenge: How can you live the Spirit of Christmas all year long? Begin by singing a song of praise in your heart. Then never stop doing your part.
I would love to hear from you. Have a very Merry Christmas every single day for the rest of your life.
©Ellen Mongan
