It is good to sing. Research has shown that singing can be good for you on many levels. It may help lower stress, boost immunity and lung function, enhance memory, improve mental health, and help you cope with physical and emotional pain (Healthline.com Nov. 2020). It is even better to not just sing, but to sing to the child born for us at Christmas. This child is Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Why should we sing songs to celebrate Jesus at Christmas? Isaiah 9:2-7 gives us plenty of reasons. You see, we were people walking in darkness, totally lost, but who have seen a great light (Isaiah 9:2). Jesus is that light. He is the Light of the world who drives out darkness of sin and death (John 8:12). He has come to save us. I believe that is why there is so much light lit at Christmas from candles to LED lights to celebrate the newborn King. Isaiah continues to note that this child, our Messiah will increase our joy (verse 3). The angel said in Luke 2:10b “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” Jesus is the joy-bringer. That is another reason to sing. Indeed, one Christmas carol we love to sing states, “Joy to the world, the Lord has come, let earth receive her King”.
Then we come to the climax of the story by Isaiah in verses 6 and 7 of chapter 9, where he tells us that a child has been born for us. Isaiah then lists His name. He is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. This is amazing. This is glorious. This is good news. This is worth singing about. The child born at Christmas for us is God Himself. Verse 7 lets us know that Jesus will reign on David’s throne and His kingdom will never end. Angel Gabriel repeats this to Mary in Luke 1:32-33 where he states, “…The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David…his kingdom will never end.” This Christmas, let us join Mary, Zechariah, the angels, Simeon and all of creation in singing songs (canticles) of Christmas to the newborn King.
For Reflection:
- What is your favorite song to sing to celebrate Jesus’ birth? What does that song help you to remember about God’s gift to us?
Nativity Building Activity: Bring the wise men to the stable to worship Jesus and present their special gifts to Mary. They had traveled far from other lands. Just as Simeon said, Jesus would be a “light to the
by Femi Ibitoye
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