Reviving the Lost Art of Caroling

Day 357 of Photo Inspirations -- Reviving the Lost Art of Caroling
Caroling was a familiar Christmas tradition when I was a kid.  Our youth group would go to nearby neighborhoods or to nursing homes to sing the old traditional Christmas carols.  I'll never forget the looks on those precious people's faces who seemed to soak in every word we sang.  But, today, we don’t carol like we once did…. back in the good ole' days.

The word "Carol" actually means dance or a song of praise and joy!   And, isn't that what we should be doing at this time of year -- dancing, praising and being joyful because of "the newborn King"? That's what I saw Sunday night at my kids' church's Christmas Program. There was lots of dancing, praising and great merriment, celebrating Christ's birthday.  I was so proud of Payton and Alexia for doing such great jobs in the program that will continue on through Christmas Eve night.  We heard and sang lots of beautiful Christmas carols.

Perhaps a return to simple core values like we had back in "the day" would help turn the tide of a world that seems to want to squelch Christmas and its true meaning.  Simple, little pleasures, such as family dinners, game nights and holiday caroling could be just what we need to bring back the "Tis' the season to be jolly" times again.

Last week, a group of young people from a nearby church came by to carol in my community in Tulsa.  It was a sweet experience as they came to my front door to sing.  The residents in my community enjoyed their thoughtful gesture to sing for us.    

Now I've attended my godson's Christmas musical and my grandchildren's Christmas program here in Texas.  While we love to watch our kids perform, as adults we just don’t embrace caroling the way our parents did.  Remember the old black and white movies, (It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas Carol), where those folks caroled?

Anytime there was a group of people gathered together at a holiday party, office function or neighborhood gathering, a festive song usually broke out. That’s exactly what this Christmas season needs: people embracing the lost art of caroling again. It might be just the ticket to sing out those wonderful old carols that speak of "Peace on earth good will to men", and "Joy to the World the Lord is Come".  It could put a smile on our faces and a song in our hearts that remind us of the hope that this season brings us -- not just at Christmas, but all year through.

Last Sunday, we heard the pastor's wife say "I'd like to encourage you all to do some caroling this Christmas like we once did as kids.  People need to hear our joy and hope.  Perhaps it's just what they need, especially when they may be lonely or sad."  Then pastor said, "Well, I think we need to do that.  As a matter of fact, let's go caroling this week."

And what a fun, joyful night we had, as pastor and his wife invited our little Wallace crew to come to their house for dinner and then go caroling with them.  There were about 25 of us that joined them, and after dinner, we all went door-to-door singing joyfully.  One lady came to her door and was overjoyed because she is alone this Christmas. We turned her sadness to joy.

Every time, where the residents were home, they expressed their gratitude for our little concert.  A simple gesture on our part, brought smiles and joy to those neighbors.  And while we were giving out, we were receiving far more back in return.  We wanted to bless them, but we were the ones who were blessed.   Maybe you and your family could revive this wonderful art of Christmas caroling this year and bring extra joy in your "little corner of the world".