|
O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! Psalm 96: 1-3
This time of year my earworms increase. An "earworm" is a catchy memorable melody that gets stuck in one's head; also called "stuck tune syndrome."
From my earliest memory, music was a constant presence. My mother sang lullabies to her babies. She usually had the radio on at home and we sang and hummed along daily. To this day, when I hear "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)" I am transported to our small kitchen in the 1950s where Mom was cracking open a coconut with a hammer, a necessary ingredient to bake Christmas cookies.
I learned "Jesus Loves Me," "I am Jesus' Little Lamb," and "Away in the Manager" as I attended church and my parochial school. I was the fourth generation in that faith community and heard my parents’ and grandparents’ voices singing hymns as we worshipped together. As I grew, I joined choirs not because I had a "gifted" voice, but for the pure love of singing. My musical exposure grew from liturgical music, hymns, and choral pieces, to include classical music, folk and rock and roll. Therefore, in the Advent season my earworms might be "Prepare Ye" from the rock musical Godspell, the hymn "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," and "For Unto Us a Child is Born" from Handel's "Messiah." Those musical phrases are not annoying to me, but I have to confess that I am unhappy when "Jingle Bell Rock" gets stuck.
One of the positives of the Covid epidemic was the addition of online church services. Thus, my mom, living in a senior community in Florida, was able to worship each week with SMPC and particularly enjoyed the music: Zach playing the organ, as well as her son-in-law, granddaughter and great granddaughter singing in the choirs. Last year, Mom was looking forward to SMPC's Festival of Carols music service. However, prior to the program Mom had a severe stroke. So, Mom, my sister and I listened to our church's program at Mom's hospice bed. Afterward, we played music programs - an organ concert played by her granddaughter, Lessons and Carols services from around the world, church services. Although filled with sorrow at Mom's death, we found peace. Through the gift of music, we were reminded of God's many blessings; the gift of his Son and our salvation, the promise of eternal life. My 2024 Advent season was truly a time of peace, joy and love. On my long drive home the earworm that I heard was "O Come All Ye Faithful." Not a bad selection.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of Jesus and your promise of eternal life. Fill our hearts with songs of love, joy and peace as we prepare to receive him. We pray for the blessings of life for all your people. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
| 
