The Season for Musical Connections.
Last week we talked about errands. As you know, it’s also the season for errands. Lots of errands.
Some errands are just that—a short trip to the post office, groceries, but some errands are more—for you and for those you’re with.
Errands and Musical Connections
One of my favorite errands each week is picking up my three-year old grandson Austin from daycare. That was an earlier story about “pinched fingers.” Yikes!
Last week Austin and I were in the car together when he asked me to sing.
I chuckled.
I have a five-note range on a good day. On most days, less. But no one told Austin that I don’t sing. No one told him his father used to look at me in church and shake his head during the music portion of the worship service.
Ready to regale my grandson with a rousing rendition of the ABC song, I started in: A-B-C-D…
Austin interrupted, “No, Grandma, the other song…”
Not sure what the other song was/is, I started to make up nonsense melodies and verses.
Not impressed, Austin pointed to the car’s radio and asked that I make the music come out there. “Oh…”
I turned on rock-n-roll classics.
Austin smiled. I smiled. Never did I ever expect to be having a Led Zeppelin moment with a dear three-year old.
Musical Connections to Memorial Songs, Silly Songs and Grand Songs
Some songs tell of our dear Savior’s birth. Some songs celebrate with angels singing and anthems ringing. Other songs include reindeer on the rooftops.
Not only did a grandmother and her grandson enjoy musical connections, but music connections bring us all together.
At a time of political divisions, social isolation, and dark, dreary winter days, musical connections are a gift.
Musical Connections in Times Past
Were you an angel in the Christmas pageant as a young girl?
At Trinity Lutheran Church I remember wearing the scratchiest halo. I have no idea what it was made of. The memory still makes me itch. I had wings made from clothes hangers, if I remember right. My white robe was probably a pillow case or dish towel.
We sang “Away in the Manger.” To this day, childhood songs are musical connections to the five-year old girl who was in awe of the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
Christmas songs are also musical connections to Dad. His favorite hymn was “Silent Night.” Every year, my heart dedicates all four verses to him.
Musical Connections to Each Other
Not only do we have musical connections to Christmases past, but music connects us to each other. You might be singing “Silent Night” in your church while I’m singing “Silent Night” in mine. You might be in Florida or Wilbur or Whidbey Island and I might be in Monroe. You might be part of a grand celebration. I might be part of a very small one. And this year, we might all be watching the same YouTube videos.
Wherever we are, musical connections bring us together. Words and melodies span church denominations. Music crosses borders and cultures.
Musical Connections
Music also connects us to generations of God’s people—past and present. We know that King David was not playing “Joy to the World” on his harp (it was written a little later), but David’s life included music, beautiful music, music that calmed, music that celebrated the moment, music that probably anticipated the coming of our Savior.
I love knowing that we all might be separated by thousands of years, but we can connect in the Key of D, two sharps, no flats, four beats to a measure, lots of quarter notes.
I love lots of quarter notes. That F sharp you just heard, you just played, you just sang, David heard it, too. He played and sang it, too. Notes that touched his heart might be the same notes touching yours.
Aren’t those beautiful musical connections!
Musical Connections to Advent
This is the second Sunday in Advent. Last week we lit the candle of Hope. This week we light a second candle, the candle of Peace.
You may not think of musical connections when you think of peace. Austin and I did have the volume up for Led Zeppelin, because Led Zeppelin needs to be a little loud.
But peace is not always about volume. Peace is not always about a quietness outside. God’s peace is the quiet inside, the quiet in our hearts, the quiet that came to us when God shared His loving kindness that was our saving grace.
Earlier I mentioned political divisions, social isolation, and dark, dreary winter days. We are all part of difficult times. When our hearts can share a moment, share a history, share hope in the future, we can experience a very special peace.
And I think musical connections help us share a moment, share a history, share God’s hope and peace.
What’s your favorite Christmas song? I’d love for music to be a special part of your Christmas preparations and celebration.
One of my favorite songs was Dad’s favorite.
Silent Night
Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace! May God’s hope and peace be with you!
Deanna is the author of two books, Fruit of My Spirit and Signs in Life.
