This past Sunday evening we attended a Christmas program at a large local church. It was beautiful, with a full orchestra, an adult choir and a children’s choir. There were soloists, a monologue, a ballet dancer, an African drummer and a live nativity. All of these components together made for a beautiful evening of worship and praise, honoring God and preparing our hearts for Christmas.
As with any Christmas program, the children were dressed in the most adorable outfits. I watched these precious children up on the stage looking for their loved ones and waving excitedly when they spotted them in the crowd. Of course there were the usual actors who love the stage and to entertain, but what I loved most is how every child was singing at the top of his or her lungs. It wasn’t in a bad way, they just seemed to have no fear or trepidation about being on stage with over a thousand people watching them. It didn’t matter to them. They were there for one reason, and that was to sing about Jesus.
These children were clapping, directing the orchestra (although the orchestra had a conductor), dancing in place and were filled with tremendous joy. Jesus Joy! There was one little boy who had his arms raised in praise, oblivious to what was going on around him. It was his childlike faith that reminded me of how God wants us to approach Him, and to believe and worship with simple unadulterated faith.
How often do we hold back our honor and praise from God because we are too worried about what is going on around us? When we sing with our heart to God, it is a joyful noise to Him. We shouldn’t be worried about how our voice sounds to God, He created it! He knows how it sounds!
What if you only think you sound bad, when in all reality the voice God gave you is a key part of the heavenly choir? I know there is someone out there who is thinking, “I can’t sing and she has never heard me sing.” That is the point. It doesn’t matter if anybody else thinks you can sing. You don’t sing to worship me or any other human being. You sing because God gave you a voice with which to bring Him honor and glory.
As we celebrate Christmas, let this be a reminder to Sing It Out! Make a joyful noise onto the Lord! There is no better time to worship freely and give God our utmost praise. Make your night not so silent!
Christmas is a time to celebrate and sing. Go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is King!
Shout your praises to God, everybody
Let loose and sing! Strike up the band!
Psalm 98:4 (MSG)
Merry Christmas and May God Bless and fill your heart with His song. May His love fill your heart and home!
it’s all gotta be about our attitude – just like with everything else
Awesome encouragement! Let’s be excited about Jesus! Sing Praises!
Let us all make a joyful noise!!!!
Merry Christmas sweet friend!!