Warming the Vocal Chords

I realized something yesterday.  I don't sing out loud as often as I once did.  Without choir or being apart of a worship team, my vocal chords are left to my own measure of discipline.  The reason for my realization?
I sing to Christmas music all day long.

Since Thanksgiving day, our radio has been set to the Christmas station, and Manheim Steamroller has been relocated from the sleeve to the tray.  "Silent Night" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" have forced my dwindling soprano voice to go to new heights.  Those high notes are nothing after a good cup of coffee and a donut by the way.

I think perhaps I was born with special fibers in my body that react to the holidays.  Some folks find this season stressful as they fight crowds to purchase that one toy Little Johnny wants so badly.  Others find it depressing because it's a reminder of pain and loss.  And some don't celebrate it it all.  But then there's the folks like me who blossom amidst the gifting challenges and constant baking.  I'll bake a batch of cookies just to make my home smell like Christmas.  The point is, this time of year is different for everyone, yet it's really not when we stop to think beyond the surface. 

Jesus was born a baby.  After spending a long weekend with my adorable nephew, Kelton, I had an even greater image of what it must've been like for young Mary and Joseph.  They weren't married, and they probably barely knew each other because back then dating didn't exist--and I'm sure even the courting was kept well-controlled.  Yet, there they were, stuck in a barn (or a cave for those who differ on your theological facts), experiencing the laborious efforts to birth a child.  Can you imagine?  And then, suddenly, just when she thought she could take no more, God blessed Mary with a baby boy, and they named Him Jesus.  They knew He was the Chosen One.  They knew He was the Messiah.  But they also knew He was their sweet tiny baby boy who needed them.  He needed to be fed and changed, and I'm sure He screamed just as Kelton does when He was hungry.  That is what is the same for all of us during this season. 

Christmas music is fun to sing to, but more importantly, I enjoy it because many of the songs are a reminder of why we celebrate this holiday.  Despite the history of Christmas trees and pagan traditions, it all points back to that single baby boy.  He wasn't born inside a palace, and He certainly wasn't born into wealth.   Yet, here we are, still celebrating His birthday (give or take a few months and days).

Sing loudly when the songs come on.  Praise the Father THE SON and the Holy Spirit.  This season is a time to rejoice in the fact that God sent His Son to earth to save each of us.  Despite our flaws and brokenness, God still desires to have a relationship with us.  I don't know about you, but that leaves me with goosebumps.