Pastor Sam Crosby
San Saba’s First Baptist Church
December 17, 2019
Two trailers full of carolers sitting on hay bails went opposite directions in town last night to bring some Christmas cheer to others. With a total of seven instruments and some forty voices, Silent Night, Away in a Manger and Joy to the World echoed through San Saba streets and nursing home walls. Experts claim the history of caroling only dates back to the 19th Century when singers went from door to door to wish others a blessed and festive season. It seems to me that the first Christmas carolers were the angels who sang to the shepherds on the night that Jesus was born!
Why are we encouraged in the Bible to sing? What does God accomplish through us when we make a joyful noise to Him? How can singing change your attitude and affect others?
To sing and praise God gives Him glory, which is the reason you were made. The Bible says, “Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing” (Psalms 100:2, NKJ). Our songs of joy exalt our Lord and express our worship to Him. Scripture states, “Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him” (Isaiah 43:7, NKJ). Singing to the Lord nourishes our soul because it fulfills the purpose for which we were made.
To sing and praise God encourages others. Paul wrote, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16, NKJ). We are to sing to the Lord, but we are singing for the benefit of others. The lyrics of our songs should be rich in scripture and Christian doctrine so that others both learn and are encouraged.
To sing and praise God is an effective way of learning. How many of us still recite our ABC’s in song? The book of Psalms is a compilation of songs written by various authors through Israel’s history. The songs were sung during special days but recount the work of God in the life of the nation. The songs were a way to pass along the rich spiritual tradition to the next generation. Learning, singing and writing songs assist in our understanding of the Christian faith. Singing the songs of the faith will deepen the faith of our children.
To sing and praise God is a Biblical way to respond to circumstances of life. The Psalms are a mixture of joy and lament. Many Psalms are birthed in pain but end with faith. Jeremiah wrote songs that expressed his sadness at the destruction of Jerusalem. Singing songs can be a response to God, affirming our faith even in the sad times of life. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and yearns to change our songs of woe into songs of joy!