Christmas Day, December 25, 2023

“To us, to all in sorrow and fear,
Emmanuel comes a-singing;
his humble song is quiet and near,
yet fills the earth with its ringing;
music to heal the broken soul
and hymns of loving-kindness.
The thunder of his anthems rolls
to shatter all hatred and violence.”

Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn – Marty Haugen

Illustrated by Sumner Martin, age 8

Have you ever thought about how much singing we hear during Advent and Christmas? The four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve are filled with some incredibly robust singing in many places: carolers on doorsteps, choir concerts in schools, and uplifting hymns and carols in worship. Out of curiosity, I just scanned our hymnal’s Advent and Christmas sections. Did you know that out of the 74 carols in those sections, 41 of them mention the word “sing?”

One of my favorite parts of my job is leading congregational song during worship. I think the act of corporate singing led by the organ is such a beautiful act. Think about it: we’re all using our individual voices, instruments that are unique to each of us, to collectively raise a song in praise to our omnipresent God. What an absolutely incredible thing to be a part of! At last year’s Festival of Carols, we concluded the service by singing “Of the Father’s Love Begotten,” plainchant from the 5^th century. Singing this carol together is a moment that I will never forget. Between the combined voices of our choir and congregation, the roaring organ, the bombastic brass and timpani, and the ethereal handbells surrounding our children’s nativity, I just couldn’t hold in my emotions. The fifth stanza is the reason the tears started flowing:

O ye heights of heaven, adore him.
Angel hosts, his praises sing.
Powers, dominions, bow before him,
and extol our God and King.
Let no tongue on earth be silent;
every voice in concert ring,
evermore and evermore!

How often do 500 people get to sing a song that’s over 1500 years old? How is it even possible that a text from the 5^th century is still relevant in our modern world? How can we raise our voices in concert together to not only sing our newborn King’s praise, but to live harmoniously in our daily lives? These are all questions I still ask myself after the experience of leading that carol at last year’s Festival.

So, friends, during this season of hustle and bustle, let us live into the words of hymn number 107, found above. Emmanuel, our God-with-us, came singing a quiet song of hope, peace, joy, and love. His song heals the broken soul, shatters hatred and violence, and spreads love in a world that so desperately needs it. Our song should echo our Messiah’s, not only in this season of waiting, but every day. With our Emmanuel, let us exuberantly and cheerfully raise our voices together to spread the news that our world longs to hear: Christ, the Savior, is born!

Heavenly Composer,

As we gather in the glow of Christmas lights and the warmth of festive cheer, we lift our hearts in gratitude for the precious gift of music that graces this season. In the soft notes of carols and the lively tunes of celebration, we find a sacred harmony that resonates with the joyous spirit of Christmas. We thank you for the timeless carols that echo the story of a humble manger, a guiding star, and the birth of boundless love. May the strains of these melodies remind us of the true meaning of Christmas, awakening the spirit of generosity, compassion, and goodwill within our souls. In the enchanting interplay of instruments and voices, we recognize the symphony of unity that transcends borders and brings people together in shared celebration. May the chords of this music bind us in a melody of love, fostering understanding and harmony in a world that longs for peace.

As we join in song and revel in the festive tunes, may the rhythm of Christmas music be a comforting lullaby for those who are lonely, a source of hope for those in despair, and a joyful anthem for those in celebration.

In the name of love, joy, and the timeless melodies that connect us to the miracle of Christmas, we offer this prayer. Amen.

Zach Bowyer, SMPC Director of Music and Organist