Sing songs of joy

Azariah 35-51

This reminds me so much of the days when I was in seminary. There were so few of us and yet our voices reached to the rafters in our morning and evening prayers. Our singular voices were not that great but in unison and with sincerity of heart, we raised the roof. It was glorious.

          It really is not that different from any of us at any time. We may or may not have been gifted with a great voice but to God it is the glorious sound of his most loved child, whomever you are. God loves to hear us in song.  Singing in the shower, singing in the car, singing in church or wherever, God loves the sound of our voices in song.  It is a way in which we can express the feelings deep inside from love, to passion to thankfulness.

          Advent will soon be here. There will be Christmas music bellowing from every corner. Some will lament that it's too much or too soon. I hope they are not around my office, I started playing Christmas songs 2 weeks ago.  I highlight the Christmas music because it is an opportunity for us to sing along, raise the roof so to speak and praise God in song with our own voices and no one will be the wiser except God who will know that in our hearts we will be praising God and giving thanks for the gift of the Christ child.  It would be so easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season but singing will give you focus. Singing allows you to express yourself and give back to God what has been given you. Your voice is as sweet as a meadowlark.

           Interesting blog entry. How often does anyone entreat you to sing? Really this is request to prepare for Christmas and pray, give thanks and celebrate as God would see fit for the birth of Jesus.

³⁵ ‘Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord;
   sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.
³⁶ Bless the Lord, you heavens;
   sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.
³⁷ Bless the Lord, you angels of the Lord;
   sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.
³⁸ Bless the Lord, all you waters above the heavens;
   sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.
³⁹ Bless the Lord, all you powers of the Lord;
   sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.
⁴⁰ Bless the Lord, sun and moon;
   sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.
⁴¹ Bless the Lord, stars of heaven;
   sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever. 

⁴² ‘Bless the Lord, all rain and dew;
   sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.
⁴³ Bless the Lord, all you winds;
   sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.
⁴⁴ Bless the Lord, fire and heat;
   sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.
⁴⁵ Bless the Lord, winter cold and summer heat;
   sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.
⁴⁶ Bless the Lord, dews and falling snow;
   sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.
⁴⁷ Bless the Lord, nights and days;
   sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.
⁴⁸ Bless the Lord, light and darkness;
   sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.
⁴⁹ Bless the Lord, ice and cold;
   sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.
⁵⁰ Bless the Lord, frosts and snows;
   sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.
⁵¹ Bless the Lord, lightnings and clouds;
   sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.