Christmas Caroling in March
We’re spending a number of weeks in Wednesday’s Word reflecting on some of the all-time classic hymns of the faith. Why? Because God created us to be singing people. So, we should sing all the time.
I can’t think of a better practice and discipline than to sing historic, century-old hymns. Every line is bursting with rich doctrine and gospel encouragement!
When we sing these words, we will remember. We will remember God’s glory. We will remember his grace. We will remember his presence. We will remember his power. We will remember his promises.
And when we remember, we will live in a different way.
We shouldn’t just sing on Sundays, either. While there is unique beauty in singing together during corporate worship at church with brothers and sisters, we should sing all week long.
(Hopefully, you aren’t reserving your Bible reading just for Sunday, so I would challenge you to do the same with your voice.)
Here’s another challenge: don’t sing Christmas hymns only in December!
In fact, did you know that “Joy to the World” was never intended to be sung as a Christmas carol? It went on to become one of the most beloved carols ever written, but when Isaac Watts wrote the words in 1719, it was part of The Psalms of David: Imitated in the Language of the New Testament.
So, let’s meditate on the words of this hymn this week. And then, here’s my challenge: throughout the rest of the week, why don’t you choose a different Christmas carol to sing each day?
Joy to the world! The Lord is come
Let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing
Joy to the world! the Savior reigns
Let men their songs employ
While fields and floods
Rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat the sound joy
No more let sins and sorrows grow
Nor thorns infest the ground
He comes to make
His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found
Far as the curse is found
Far as, far as the curse is found
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders and wonders of His love
The third verse of this hymn—“No more let sins and sorrows grow […] far as the curse is found”—is particularly profound and encouraging.
As we approach Holy Week and Easter, we are reminded that Jesus really did come “to make his blessings flow.”
That is true to say, but not enough to say. You must add, “far as the curse is found.”
You see, Jesus didn’t simply come to rescue disembodied souls. Yes, he saves our souls from eternal damnation, and for that we should be eternally grateful. But he also came to unleash his powerful restoring grace as far as the furthest effect of sin. He came to restore every single thing that sin has broken. He came to fix it all! His redemptive mission is as complete as sin’s destruction is comprehensive.
The lyrics in the third verse of “Joy to the World” echo the promise of Revelation 21:5: “Behold, I am making all things new.”
Are you tired of the futility and frustration of this broken world? Are you exhausted by sin, suffering, and death? Are you burdened with the pain that lives inside you and outside you? At times, do you wonder if anyone knows, if anyone understands, and if anyone cares?
Then the words of this great hymn and this encouraging passage from the final book of the Bible are for you. Your Redeemer knows. Your Redeemer understands. Your Redeemer cares.
His grace has been unleashed, and its work will not be done until every last sin-broken thing has been fully and completely made new again.
Don’t just reserve Christmas carols for December. You’ll miss out on rich doctrine and gospel encouragement like this.
Prepare room in your heart, and make time in your week, to sing classic hymns and Christmas carols with heaven and nature—every day, every month, and all year long!
A Prayer for Today: Lord, help me to appreciate and sing the classic hymns and Christmas carols, even though I think they may not be “in season” to sing right now. God, singing helps me to remember your glory, your grace, your presence, your power, and your promises. I want to be a Christ-follower who remembers throughout the entire calendar year, not just in months like December. May you continually prepare room in my heart for the truth that your blessings flow far as the curse is found. Thank you for that promise that I can confidently stand on each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Discussion Prompt for Children
1. Why do you think we sing Christmas carols/hymns in the month of December, but not during the rest of the year? Would it be weird to you if we sang Christmas carols now during Easter season? Why or why not?
2. What do you like most about Christmas carols that could encourage you all year round and not just in December?
3. How do you think the Easter story directly connects to the Christmas story? Why is it important to make that connection for us as Christians?
Reflection Questions
1. Why is intentional remembering such a vital part of the Christian life? What truths about God’s glory, grace, presence, power, and promises need to be brought to the forefront of your mind in this Easter season? How can remembering those truths help sanctify you and encourage your spiritual growth in Christ?
2. How does the act of singing hymns and carols help to refresh your memory about the truths of the gospel? Would it be strange for you to intentionally sing Christmas carols during the Easter season? Why or why not?
3. In what ways have you seen Jesus restore the brokenness that sin has tainted? How has he restored you personally? Where do you see him currently working (in your life, the lives of friends or family, etc.) to restore the broken things that have been tarnished by the curse of sin?
4. What would it practically look like to prepare room in your heart to absorb the truths of specific hymns and Christmas carols during this Easter season? How can you lead your friends and family to do the same this time of year?