First Sunday of Advent – December 3, 2023 – Evening

Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.  Psalms 95:1

Illustration by Caroline Angerer, age 9

There really isn’t anything like the Christmas season. Family, friends, decorations, and traditions bring joy to so many people. But for me it is the music that has always brought such joy during the holiday season.

As a kid, I remember my dad always turning on the radio on November 1 when the Christmas music would start playing. My sister would always argue that it was too early for Christmas music, but I couldn’t resist the joy that it brought me. So, my dad and I would listen to Christmas music in the car starting in November despite my sister’s opinions.

Soon enough, Thanksgiving came and went, and I was finally in the homestretch of waiting for the greatly anticipated Christmas morning. But what was only 24 days, seemed like an eternity to me. How could I ever wait so long for it to arrive? Luckily for me, SMPC held a Festival of Carols every year which my family would always attend. This service always gave me something to look forward to in the midst of waiting for that glorious morning all those 24 long days away. I always sat in the pews mesmerized by the choir’s harmonious voices and the orchestra’s incredible sound that combined to make a Christmas masterpiece. Sitting there, it was like all my anticipation had left and I could truly immerse myself in the joyous Christmas music performed right in front of me. Looking back, I’m fascinated by the power that music had to transform an anxious little boy into a captivated audience member. Little did I know that in just a few years I too would be standing up there singing in front of the congregation as a member of the Chancel Choir.

Being a part of the Chancel Choir has been such a blessing and joy in my life. This year will be my third Festival of the Carols as a choir member and I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity to do so. Each year I am filled with just as much joy (if not more) singing in the festival as I was watching it just a few years ago.

There is no denying that when Christmas morning finally arrives, that it is filled with more joy and love than one could ever imagine. However, looking back I realize how much joy and peace music has brought me in a season filled with such anticipation and waiting. I may not always remember what I got for Christmas when I was 10, but I will surely never forget the gift of music during this time of year and how much joy it has brought me to this day.

Lord, thank you for the gift of music especially during this Christmas season. Help us to enjoy the peace and joy that music can bring to a season filled with so much anticipation. Especially now, let us never forget the importance of making a joyful noise in your name. Amen

Brett Parrish, high school junior

Come share in the joyful celebration of SMPC’s annual Festival of Carols, Sunday, December 10, 6 p.m. Sanctuary and Livestream.

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