Christmas. Peace, goodwill toward men. Decorated trees. Nativity scenes. And "Joy to the World, the Lord is come" over and over and over again. And then "Joy to the World" again.
Yes, I'm speaking of my church's annual Christmas caroling afternoon. It happened yesterday afternoon--a beautiful sunny day that was just the right temperature with a large number of both regular singers and non-singers. You see, in my church you don't have to sing on key or sing beautifully to make a joyful noise--especially on Christmas caroling day! In fact, you don't have to sing at all--the blessing can be in just watching expressions and joy on the faces.
Here's the caroling group...
Then there is another of the group with me in it. Can you find me?
The Girl is ready to go....all set with her Cheez Its.
The list we have now is much shorter than years past. That's a bit of bad news and good news....bad that those we love are gone, but good that others we love are still able to attend church regularly.
It was a wonderful afternoon ...
There was sharing....
.
There were even smiles all around as I posed with a couple of favorite youngsters...
Our caroling recipients were mostly elderly and many had memory issues. An amazing thing I did notice that all these sweet folks seemed to remember song words...many sang "Joy to the World", "Silent Night", and "Amazing Grace" without missing a beat. And they did it happily.
The residents excitement made me realize that I should be more that way about "Joy to the World, the Lord is come!" That joy that lives deep in one's heart somehow always remembers the words, even if one can't remember their own name. Amazing. What a blessing to watch and witness!
So remember, "Joy to the World, the Lord is come!" Tis the season.....
Yes, I'm speaking of my church's annual Christmas caroling afternoon. It happened yesterday afternoon--a beautiful sunny day that was just the right temperature with a large number of both regular singers and non-singers. You see, in my church you don't have to sing on key or sing beautifully to make a joyful noise--especially on Christmas caroling day! In fact, you don't have to sing at all--the blessing can be in just watching expressions and joy on the faces.
Here's the caroling group...
Then there is another of the group with me in it. Can you find me?
The Girl is ready to go....all set with her Cheez Its.
The list we have now is much shorter than years past. That's a bit of bad news and good news....bad that those we love are gone, but good that others we love are still able to attend church regularly.
It was a wonderful afternoon ...
There was a bit of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer with his shiny nose (like a light bulb) as sang by the children...
And a bit of "Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way"...
There was sharing....
...familiar faces...
.
...and love all around.
The day ended with the familiar sounds of "What'll ya have?" Most had Varsity hot dogs, fries, onion rings, and frosted orange drinks. And the famous Varsity hats, of course.
Our caroling recipients were mostly elderly and many had memory issues. An amazing thing I did notice that all these sweet folks seemed to remember song words...many sang "Joy to the World", "Silent Night", and "Amazing Grace" without missing a beat. And they did it happily.
The residents excitement made me realize that I should be more that way about "Joy to the World, the Lord is come!" That joy that lives deep in one's heart somehow always remembers the words, even if one can't remember their own name. Amazing. What a blessing to watch and witness!
So remember, "Joy to the World, the Lord is come!" Tis the season.....
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