Advent Self-Care: Sounds of Angels

My Advent to-do list is getting shorter – baking nearly done, two services to prepare for this Sunday, gifts to wrap and one or two more to buy. It feels like the closer to the big day we are, the more intense the preparation and emotion.

As I was starting the day I tuned in to 100 Huntley Street. The Bible teaching by Robbie Symons happened to be about music and really taking in the meaning and theology of the words of carols that we’ve sung our whole lives. I have been aware of mall Christmas “muzac” and was blessed to hear the Salvation Army band when I got groceries one Friday night, but Robbie’s words have stuck with me today.

If I’m leading worship or a program, I’m often not in the moment. Particularly with children and youth, I’m anticipating what is coming next, noticing who is not paying attention or who is upset or which parents and leaders are talking in the back. In worship, I’m aware of how people are responding, who has forgotten to do something or who is not looking well.

It can be tough to really soak in the words of the music and scripture. This is part of the reason that I love choosing the hymns whenever possible. I get to savour the text and make sure it reflects the scriptures and theme. Robbie’s comments got me to thinking about how beautiful the carols are. I’m not always on board with the lyrics (“how silently the wondrous gift is given” – really? I can’t imagine that Jesus didn’t cry as He entered the world), but there are amazing messages in the carols.

As you count down the final week and all the necessary preparations, take some time to soak in the season’s music and wonder at what it would have been like to hear the angelic chorus that night. Here are some ideas:

a) Put on your favourite Christmas cd or playlist as you are baking or decorating or writing those last Christmas cards or e-mails. Let the music surround you and move you.

b) Borrow a hymnbook if you don’t have one or get a carol sheet and read through the words slowly and quietly to yourself. Put yourself in the moment of what is happening in the lyrics. Seek out God’s blessing in the story and fulfillment of God’s promises.   

c) Create a tradition of singing carols with family before Christmas. Gather around the tree or the piano and pass on the rich words to the next generation. If you live alone, plan to attend a lessons and carols service that you are not responsible for leading iif you can squeeze it in (go to a church of another tradition and blend into the worshipers if possible).

d) Look on-line or in reference books and read about the origins of your favourite carol(s). Find out what you can about the writers and story behind their choice of words.

e) Do as much preparation as you can so that if you are leading worship, you can be in the moment as much as possible. There is something wonderful about people coming together to witness to Christ’s birth. Soak in the sights and sounds of the event.

f) In moments alone, take time to listen to the carols that echo in your head. Sing them out loud as a form of prayer and offer God your praise.

It is coming quickly! “Soon and very soon we are going to see the King”! Avoid the temptation to get more stressed and overwhelmed as the big day approaches. Instead, take time to rest and hear the angels sing.

May you find God’s joy as you move closer to the manger.

Merry Christmas and God's richest blessings in 2018! I'll be back on January 9th.