Burst into Song!

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music. Psalm 98: 4

I like to think we’re active people. We try to exercise. We stay busy, but for some reason, we both are having more and more trouble getting going every morning. We usually wake early, but getting moving – especially out the door if there is something we need to do – is a different story. Yesterday morning, we were both dragging, complaining, and trying to find every excuse we could for just staying put a little while longer.

Yet, there was so much to be done before the Christmas get-togethers with family and friends begin, and we needed to get going. With these thoughts, the phone rang, and we both answered at the same time. We were so happy it was our boys, and we heard those sweet voices calling out to us on the speaker phone:  “Good Morning, Nan and Granddad!  We’re singing on the way to school!  Would you like to hear us?”

Of course we did! Then they sang ever so enthusiastically Cole’s favorite “Ten Little Angels”!  I can still hear those sweet words!

“There was 1, there was 2, there were 3 little angels – continuing until “there were 10 little angels in the band. OH, wasn’t that a band on Christmas morning, Christmas morning, Christmas morning. Oh wasn’t that a band, Christmas morning, 10 little angels in the band.” 

It was great!  We loved it, praised them both, and thanked them for sharing their song with us. What a way to start the morning!

I hung up the phone and thought about all the angels celebrating with joy as Christmas nears. Such a simple song made me realize then that I was already getting away from the promise I had made to myself. I had vowed to keep my mind and heart on the true meaning of Christmas, and to not give in to the busyness, stress, focus on myself, or on the preoccupation with the things that make up the Christmas season. The rest of the day I had “10 Little Angels“, playing in my head. I hummed along, and all day long, I had a thankful attitude and a bounce in my step!

Every day should begin as this one did – by praising God for the gift of His Son. We have so much to be thankful for and this should be our mindset each and every day as we prepare for the celebration of our Savior’s birth. It should begin in our hearts with true gratitude and praise for our God who loves us more than we could ever imagine.  It should show on our faces, in the tone of our voices, and in the steps we take. Others should see and hear our honor, glory and praise to our Father.

What a sweet reminder our boys gave us to make this a day of praise and rejoicing for the gift of Christ. What a Christmas it will be! The world may not see it or recognize it, but I have no doubt that “the whole earth will be filled with His glory.”  May we “shout for joy, burst into song”, and give Him praise.

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for the sweet voices of children to remind us that Christmas is not about us, but about you. May we praise your most holy name for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for His love and saving grace, for the gift of life, and for your goodness to us. Amen