“Then Zachariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and sang . . .”  Luke 1:67

“The only thing better than singing is more singing.” Ella Fitzgerald

When was the last time you sang?

How were you feeling when you did so?  Were you happy or sad?  With other people or all alone?

Christmas is a season conducive to singing.  Despite the darkness, both literal and figurative; despite our difficulties in life which seem magnified this time of year; despite being disheartened, disillusioned, even depressed due to loss or loneliness; we somehow still desire to sing.

People sometimes say, “I can’t sing.”  But that’s not true.  Everyone can sing.  It’s an overlooked gift of God.  It is true that we can’t sing as well as others who are more accomplished.  It is true that we don’t FEEL like singing sometimes.  And it is true that we might be embarrassed if someone heard what it is that we’re singing about.  But we can all sing.  And sing we should!

There are numerous physical and mental benefits to singing.  If you want to see the therapeutic benefits of music and singing I would invite you to watch the movie “Alive Inside” which highlights the beneficial effects of music on those living with dementia.   

But singing doesn’t only benefit us, it helps others as well.  Think of the tradition of Christmas Caroling.  Or how our mother sang us lullabies when we were babies.  Zecheriah’s song makes his heart sing, as well as the hearts of many others throughout the ages.[1]  

This song is prompted by the birth of Zecheriah’s son, John the Baptist.  Granted it was a miraculous birth as both Zecheriah and his wife Elizabeth were well beyond the age of childbearing.  But his song goes beyond this—he’s not just happy to have a child, but he’s rejoicing over the fact that this child is the one who was promised of old who would “prepare the way” for the Messiah.  How he knew this is a mystery and can only be explained by the working of the Holy Spirit in his life.

 His song is one of deliverance and redemption and rescue from enemies. 

His song is one of praise to God for the gift given not only to him and his wife Elizabeth, but to the world.  He sees John as the forerunner to the Messiah who delivers all of creation from the dirge-like existence which the darkness threatens to plunge us into, and shines light in our life.  Verses 78-79 are especially comforting as they describe the tender mercies of God, the light that comes into our darkness, and the path of peace upon which God places us.

His is a song prompted by a baby, which is a powerful reminder that if you’re feeling down just spend some time holding an infant or playing with a child!  And note how often you hear children singing about anything and everything.

The Christmas season can be a challenging time for many people, filled with worries over finances, loneliness from the loss of a loved one, feeling isolated from family or friends, or simply downhearted due to the inability to handle this life which can be so incredibly difficult to navigate.  But it is precisely at those times that singing can be so comforting and uplifting.  And not just any singing, but the kind of singing that directs our hearts, minds and souls to the fulfillment of the promise of One who would be sung over and about by the angels.   

What makes your heart sing? 

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[1] I would invite you to read and then ponder this song of Zecheriah found in Luke 1:68-80.