A new friend, but established author, Annie Yorty, just launched a devotional book for the Christmas season:
25 Symbols of Christmas: Finding Jesus – A Devotional
She has allowed me to share one of her posts. Having read through most of her book, I chose this one as a favorite. Enjoy!
Carols: Praiseworthy Lord
Sing a new song to the LORD!
Sing his praises from the ends of the earth!
Sing, all you who sail the seas,
all you who live in distant coastlands.—Isaiah 42:10
“We announced you’d be here today,” the aide said to our fresh-faced carolers. “Everyone should be expecting you. But knock first if the door is closed.” Song sheets rustled in fidgety hands as we turned toward the wing of the nursing home she indicated.
“A couple folks may not want to visit with you.” We paused at her warning. “Mr. Walters in seventeen. Now he can be a bit of a curmudgeon.”
Determined to keep an eye out for number seventeen, I led my band of Christmas minstrels down the hall looking for open doors.
“Joy to the world, the Lord is come!”
Heads lifted to see the young visitors as the medley of their voices rang out. Smiles creased weathered skin and eyes crinkled in delight. A few wispy strains joined in praise for the wonders of the love of the One who came to earth to save us.
When my son, Stuart, went ahead of the group toward number seventeen, I followed as quickly as possible. A slice of light cut through a crack in the door into the dim room. Knock, knock.
“Who’s there?” The voice sounded like a bear awakened from hibernation.
Undeterred by the growl, Stuart poked his head through the opening. “Mr. Walters, may we come in?”
I rushed in behind him. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Walters. We didn’t mean to disturb you.” Touching Stuart’s shoulder, I guided him away.
Mr. Walters snapped on his table lamp and waved a gnarled hand. “No, you might as well come in.”
Stuart led the ensemble into the tiny room and stood by the scowling figure slumped in a worn easy chair. “Let’s sing ‘O Holy Night.’” He thrust the song sheet in front of Mr. Walters’s nose.
Midway through the first verse, a baritone contrasted with childish sopranos and crackling teen boys. “Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!” I could hardly believe my ears.
As we finished the carol, Mr. Walters swiped a hanky across his eyes. “My wife used to play that song every Christmas Eve,” he said. “She’d gather the kids ’round the tree, and we’d all join in.” His throat convulsed as tears threatened again. “Then we’d put baby Jesus into the manger in our nativity.”
For a moment, his eyes stared back in time. When one of our carolers grew restless, Mr. Walters stirred. “I haven’t thought about that in years.”
Carols—originally both songs and dances—expressed praise and joy in any season. Within a few centuries after Jesus lived on earth, Christians began to sing carols at Christmas to celebrate Christ. Most of the songs that endured through the centuries have rich lyrics which praise God and proclaim the gospel message.
In the modern era, carols that mention nothing of Christ pervade the airways from before Thanksgiving until the new year begins. Songs with Christian messages are usually sung thoughtlessly by performers who do not revere Jesus. In December church services, we might sing carols but often omit several of the theologically deep verses.
Even when we listen to the entirety of a carol, the sheer familiarity of the lyrics can dull the meaning. We run the risk of glossing over the profound truths packed into each stanza. We can overcome this tendency by focusing and meditating on the words to make them the prayer of our hearts.
In the seclusion and isolation of the nursing home, Mr. Walters lost sight of God. His hope waned as he withdrew from fellow worshipers of Christ. But carols sung by children awakened dormant joy and reignited his hope.
At Christmas, when you listen to, sing, and share carols that proclaim Christ, remember he is your praiseworthy Lord. With every song, may our voices lift and magnify his name so all will hear and join the worship of God.
How will you reclaim carols of Christmas to bring attention to the praiseworthy Lord?
Father, thank you for Christmas carols that point hearts toward your Son. May the songs of this Christmas season take on new meaning as I worship Jesus—not only the baby in the manger, but also the suffering Savior and risen Lord. He is worthy of all praise, honor, and glory. Amen.
Note: Annie’s website (AnnieYorty.com) has free resources for Christmas and her YouTube channel has a bonus video for each devotion in 25 Symbols of Christmas: Finding Jesus.
*All Scripture taken with permission from New Living Translation
Copyright ©2024 Annie Yorty