Page 17 - CWW CHRISTMAS

December 11

CHRISTMAS CAROLERS
Susie Jaynes

Carolers are among my favorite images on Christmas cards. They evoke
memories of over 25 holiday seasons when my family and friends from our church set
our schedules to ‘carol’ for six special friends.
My husband (with zero musical training) could play by ear every Christmas carol
and popular song on his harmonica. The other two husbands were musically gifted—one
on the guitar and the other a professional musician on the piano. He also was adept on
a recorder. The wives, children, guitarist, and any additional guests provided the vocals.
We’d caravan from house to house and end the evening in one of our homes enjoying
homemade soup and hot cornbread. There we continued the songfest for our own
enjoyment, usually ending with “The Twelve Days of Christmas” with each day assigned
to a different group.
One year, three grandfathers were assigned “Two turtle doves” as their portion.
The fact that none of the men knew the tune was beside the point. Each repetition grew
less harmonious, but not their gusto! Laughter reigned! Each time I hear that song I
smile at the memory of Christian friends joyously singing and enjoying life together.
The Christian faith is a singing religion. From the beginning, angel songs blessed
the shepherds at Jesus’ birth. Music expanded at our Lord’s resurrection and ascension,
and spans the years since in the anticipated victorious return of our Savior. (Martin
Luther is credited with adding hymns to our Protestant worship as a means of teaching
theology to his illiterate congregation.) We have multiple reasons for singing, especially
as we ponder God’s precious gift of Jesus!
Consider gathering some friends and sing your faith and joy to some neighbors.
(Our similar adventure blessed us 25 years and the sweet memories linger!)