Caroling. It’s one of those things that just might be fading away.

I hope not. But it may be. I wonder why. Perhaps as towns turn into cities fewer people know their neighbours and therefore feel uncomfortable singing to them. Perhaps it’s because as a society we tend to do less singing in general. Perhaps it’s because many people don’t believe in God and are therefore more comfortable singing about Frosty than Christ.

But I wonder if it also has to do with the fact that music is easier to access. Just think of the 1800’s. Where did someone hear Christmas carols? They heard them at church, and perhaps at a concert. Radios have only been common for about a hundred years, and TVs for less than that. So I wonder if caroling was a unique way to hear and share music that was otherwise rare for people to hear.

It’s hard to know for sure. Either way, music that honours God serves a positive function in sharing God’s truth. The Psalms were originally set to music. And in Colossians 3:16 Paul states that music was one of the ways that the message of Jesus could take up root in our lives: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

According to Martin Luther, godly music (especially the Psalms), fended off the Devil. He said: “Music drives away the Devil and makes people happy.”

I don’t know the future of caroling. And yes, it’s still around. When I see it I rejoice. Hopefully it moves from the shadows back to centrestage.

This devotional is a way of encouraging you to make the most of music which glorifies God, grounds us in his truth, lifts our spirits, and encourages us to share and show the love of our newborn King.

Behold the glorious and Scripture-soaked gravitas of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing: 

“Peace on earth and mercy mild 
God and sinners reconciled… 
Mild He lays His glory by 
Born that man no more may die 
Born to raise the sons of earth 
Born to give them second birth.”*

Brothers and sisters, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

---

Notes:

–You’re Invited!If you don’t have a church home, we’re having two services on Christmas Eve at Westminster. The Super Family-Friendly Service is at 5:30 and the Traditional Candlelit Service is at 7pm. Click here to learn more in this 1-minute video.

–*Words by Charles Wesley (1707-1788).

–Note: The Up Devotional will go on pause after December 25 to return on January 3, 2024 (I’m taking some holidays). Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.