Second, remember that we have less than 30 minutes to spend in music together as a church. Make the most of it. Many of the songs are so familiar, but stop singing for a moment. Think about the words. Write down a phrase or two. Open the hymnal. Or even sit down and tell God how thankful you are for the truth we just sang. Whatever you do, don’t let the phrases go by without sincerely singing them. If you don’t like the particular song, it’s OK. We all have preferences. Think about the meaning of the song. But don’t tune out. It’s time to worship as the body of Christ, and your example speaks volumes to the people around you, young and old. You never know how your expression of worship may encourage someone else.

And as Christmas approaches, I strongly encourage you to take a fresh look at some of the familiar Christmas carols. The texts are often decades or even centuries old, but quite poetic and descriptive. If you don’t have a hymnal at home, visit www.cyberhymnal.org and study the texts.

“Angels From the Realms of Glory,” covers so much of the Christmas story, as do many of the carols.

• It speaks of the angels who sang at the earth’s creation also singing of Jesus’ birth. Since the angels were created, they have been praising God.

• It accounts for the lonely shepherds watching their flocks and hearing the glorious news of the Savior’s birth. They realize that God has come to earth, in the form of a baby— what an amazing truth!

• The song speaks of the Magi, leaving their studies in the East for something far greater. They realize this star represents the Desire of nations—the Deliverer of all mankind.

• And the text ends with Mary and Joseph and all believers throughout the ages waiting for the time when Christ will come again at the Rapture and finally the Second Coming. Come and worship, come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King!