The Sounds of Christmas
It always began on the first Sunday of December. Our choir master would call the page number we should turn to in our church hymnal and then boisterously lead our small congregation in the first Christmas carol of the season.
Joy to the world the Lord is come let earth receive her King…
Hark the herald angels sing glory to the new-born king…
Away in a manger no crib for His bed…
It didn’t matter which carol he chose, joyful voices blended enthusiastically together as we belted out the old familiar words.
That’s the way the Christmas season began in my hometown when I was growing up. While I love some of the new Christmas songs nothing says Christmas to me quite like the heartfelt words in the old traditional Christmas carols.
The singing of the first Christmas carols at my church ignited the joy and excitement of the Christmas season in my community.
On that first Sunday in December there was also the reading of the Christmas story. The first of many times we’d hear it during the month. I remember it always being read from Luke Chapter 2 KJV. It’s still my favorite version and I still love how it sounds in the King James Version.
1. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:1-11 KJV
As simple as they seem, those two things are what helped to ignite the wonderment of the Christmas season for me as a child. They signaled the beginning of something beautiful and precious, the countdown to the wondrous event of the birth of Jesus Christ God’s wonderful gift to the world.
As an adult, the way that the holidays begin haven’t changed for me. I still listen to the old Christmas carols and read my favorite version of the Christmas story. This ingrained tradition from my childhood will probably remain with me for the rest of my life.
What signals the start of the Christmas season for you?
Those carols sound in my memory as well from early children’s choir. The Luke 2 verses were often divided up and given to us to memorize as part of a program. The story doesn’t get old. Just more precious.
I love the Christmas carols. My favorite Christmas tradition is attending Christmas concerts with my family and getting some hot chocolate afterwards.
When I grew up, my family gathered together on Sunday night to sing Christmas songs and make music. I am grateful for the time before Christmas to get the heart ready.