What’s your favorite Christmas song?

There is something comforting about hearing the same Christmas songs every year. A tradition of praise, in song form.

After many years of attendance at the same church, the holiday sermons and song selections seemed like old friends. We knew what to expect to see, hear and sing.

Then one Sunday, a new organist came in and switched up all the songs! Our congregation was at odds and divided between those who didn’t appreciate the unexpected; and those who enjoyed the new songs of praise. The jury was out and very divided when it came to the changes in song selection.

The following Sunday, the Rev began his sermon by reading Psalm 33:3 - “Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise.” In marched the children's choir. Each little angel equipped with the most splendid noise making instrument. Pots and pans, harmonicas and kazoos. We were hearing new songs and they were being played very joyfully and loudly for the Lord!

The Rev, and his angels, made their point. The message isn’t about which songs we sing, it’s the joy in our hearts as we sing them.

Dear Lord, We sing to you our praises in so many joyful songs. Let there be the joy of those angles heard in each verse and chorus song. May we remember the traditions and the reason behind them: the joy of the birth of our newborn king.

What’s your favorite Christmas song?