PASTOR’S BLOG One of the many Christmas traditions that we all treasure is the singing of Christmas carols. Over the years we have sung them over and over again that we have memorized them and they have become a part of our being. I have often told our caroling group that we should learn new carols but one of the most ardent supporters of our caroling ministry, Richard Christian, would immediately respond Pastor, caroling is singing the familiar songs over and over again, that is what makes it so meaningful and special. Over the years I have begun to see the wisdom of his remarks. In fact, to me this is the most wonderful time of the year because I just love to hear Christmas tunes over and over again played on my radio while I drive. I never seem to get tired of them. As a church, going out caroling has a become a great tradition and some of us who have gone out for years have had the privilege of singing carols in various Indian languages. Once the music starts, the words even in languages not actually spoken by us, automatically come out on our lips. Some of our children have grown up enjoying carols in various languages. Now many of them are parents with kids, and hopefully they will bring their children caroling and educate them to follow this tradition. When I tell some friends and acquaintances that during this season we go out caroling every night - sometimes beyond midnight, many of them seem shocked that this tradition is still carried on by our congregation. As we enter homes and sing carols in the language of that particular home you can see their faces brighten up and old grandpas and grandmas start singing them with us. In some homes they just listen without a comment but there is something about the carol Silent night, Holy night. No matter whose home it is or what situation, the moment we start this carol, I have noticed everyone will softly join in singing this song. I am told that many times in bars and pool clubs, when a fight breaks out, if someone would just start singing Silent Night, Holy Night there is a hush and the place becomes quiet with everyone at least humming the tune. As we visit homes, I have often heard residents tell me, Thank you for bringing the Christmas spirit in our homes. What a great ministry! May I invite you to join us with your family as we go out every night to bring good tidings of great joy to every home that welcomes us in the name of Jesus. Shalom, Shalom! –Franklin G. David
Posted on: Wed, 04 Dec 2013 22:12:14 +0000