Carols

When I was a kid, my Aunty Sharon and Uncle George would host a Sing-A-Long and it was one of my many precious Christmas memories. There were cookies and dozens of kids screaming loudly to songs, it was sooo much fun. 

The past two years Ryan and I have hosted an ugly sweater/cookie exchange sing-along.

I just love singing Christmas carols. They are such a touching way to worship Jesus and engage in thinking about Christ's coming to be born as a human. One of my favorite parts of this night is sitting down with people who are Christian and non-Christian alike, from all different backgrounds, to sing those beautiful songs.  Plus, all the fun ones, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Oh Christmas Tree, Up on the Housetop.. are just that... fun and light hearted! 

Those carols remind me of the joy of being a child at Christmas. The magic and beauty that kids see in the season, literaly around every corner, now reminds me of the unfathomable, unknowable ways of God. Their wonder manifests itself in is such tangible ways, screaming in excitement, jumping up and down, wide eyed staring, the anticipation and waiting for a joy deferred. They are in awe at lights, presents, and all the "fun" Christmas stuff.  I see them and it reminds me of how my heart and lips should, (and some day will)  tremble and cry out, and be as my children are now, as I stand, fall or dance in awe and wonder of God, who presents beauty, love, and gifts in so many ways.