Michael Kelley, Guest Contributor

“At once, the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, peace to all men and women on earth who please him.” Luke 2:13-14 (Message Bible)

There are certain rhythms that slip into our lives every December– little habits that only show up during this season.

Maybe it’s the daily ritual of plugging in the lights on the tree. Maybe it’s that batch of cookies you only bake once a year. Maybe it’s wrapping one present at a time as the calendar marches toward Christmas morning. Whatever it is, it becomes part of the routine of the season.

Can I gently nudge you to add one more?

Make singing part of your Christmas. Regular singing. Intentional singing. Joyful singing.

Now, it’s not that singing should only happen in December. Far from it. Scripture calls us to sing year-round, and for good reason– singing does something in us. It strengthens us. It lifts us. It realigns our hearts. But during this season, there’s something especially meaningful about adding your voice to the songs we only sing right now.

Let me offer four reasons why singing should have a place in your Christmas:

1. because of the truth.

There are Christmas songs… and then there are Christmas songs. Not the sentimental ones, but the ones loaded with deep, rich theology.

Lyrics like:

“Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
with the dawn of redeeming grace…”

These words preach. They nourish. They anchor us in what is real. Don’t miss the chance to fill your mouth—and your soul—with that kind of truth this Christmas.

2. Because we are forgetful.

Not “I-lost-my-keys” forgetful (though maybe that too), but spiritually forgetful. We hear God’s promises again and again… until trouble comes, and then our confidence evaporates.

Christmas often heightens that tension– joy and sorrow living side by side. Singing helps us remember what our hearts tend to forget. Music has always been one of God’s tools for shaping His people’s theology. It carries truth deeper than words alone.

3. Because we are emotional.

Christmas stirs the heart. Memories come rushing back. Some are sweet; some ache a little. Singing helps bridge the gap between what our heads know and what our hearts feel.

Jesus said true worship involves both spirit and truth (John 4:21–24). Singing helps us get there.

4. Because we are prideful.

Let’s be honest: singing out loud is humbling. You might get caught belting out a tune at a stoplight. You might not love the sound of your voice. But humility is part of the point.

If there’s ever a season to lay down our pride, it’s the one where we celebrate the God who humbled Himself all the way into a manger.

So with everything else filling your calendar… Sing, friends. Sing the truth.

For the good of your soul, and the glory of God.

DIG DEEPER:
Read “O Little Town of Bethlehem” by Bryant Wright