by Elder Aries de Vera
Reading for the day: Luke 2:10-11
Ever since I was a youth member in the Church, caroling has become part of my Christmas season routine. I learned how to play the guitar because of my eagerness to be part of this ministry. We would roam the streets of Manila each night to sing Christmas carols to people and share glad tidings of the Lord. When I moved to Toronto in December 2006, I was surprised to see how the Church actively participates in this mission of sharing God’s love even in extreme weather. I was greeted by the cold winter atmosphere but the warmth and joy of cascading through doors softened my homesickness.
The tradition of caroling is more than just an annual festive activity – it is an opportunity to spread the light of Christ in a dark and weary world. Each time we knock on doors and lift our voices in song, we carry a message of hope, joy, and God’s unconditional love. As His children, we are called to be His messengers, and our carols become instruments of His grace.
As His children, we are called to be His messengers, and our carols become instruments of His grace.
When we sing carols, we bring more than music; we bring the presence of God into the homes and hearts of those we meet. Just as the angels announced the birth of Christ to the shepherds with songs of praise, we too proclaim the good news:
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)
There is no greater joy to see the smiles of people who welcome us in their homes. Money becomes an invaluable part of caroling when you touch a person’s emotion and bring a spirit of uncontainable happiness in their hearts. There’s a ray of hope. A spark of love. We become an active agent of peace and solace. It’s like magic that tickles their imagination and lets them see things differently for a moment. There’s drowning of tears and bursts of laughter with simple Jingle Bells in the air. What else can you ask for?
Every knock on a door is an invitation for people to experience God’s grace through us. Whether they are believers or strangers to the Gospel, the warmth and joy of our carols remind them of Emmanuel – God with us.
We may not be able to belt out the highest note in our songs or play out our instruments on how we intend them to be, but there’s one truth that remains – that we are ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).
The message of Christmas is this: that God sent His only begotten Son into the world to save and redeem us. Our songs echo this truth. It reminds people that they are deeply loved by God and there is hope in Him.
Each time we carol, we let God’s light shine, ushering people to the source of true joy and peace – our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. A simple Jingle Bells can make their day.
Reflect: As ambassadors of Christ, think of ways on how we can touch other people’s lives and proclaim the Good News to them.
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