Four weeks. Maybe five at the max. It’s a rather small window of time in which to sing Christmas carols. That’s ‘cause we don’t sing Joy to the World in April. And you won’t hear your worship leader inviting you to sing Silent Night in the heat of August. Why? Christmas music is for the Christmas season.
So here’s my question—okay, call it a complaint: Why are so many of today’s churches so unwilling to sing exclusively Christmas music during the Advent season? Sure, everybody mixes in some Christmas carols. But most churches I’ve observed just can’t quite let go of Ten Thousand Reasons or the latest from Hillsong United. Why?
We have 48 weeks to sing the regular stuff, so why can’t the Christmas season be exclusively Christmas music? What is it that today’s worship music leaders fear—or maybe dislike—about Christmas music? Is it a question of age? Or do we feel the songs are too slow?
Hear me clearly—I enjoy today’s worship music. There’s so much to love! But why are we so reluctant to set it aside—all of it—for just four weeks?
Is it a stylistic addiction? A discomfort with tradition? A distaste for introspective tunes? I surely don’t know. But I’d like to hear your thoughts. In fact, I’m inviting you to help write one of my next blogs! Why not share you answer to the question, “Why can’t we sing pure Christmas music” when you email me. Here’s where to send your thoughts: Jon@jongauger.com.
I’m definitely interested in your opinion—worship leader or not. Tell me why you think we’re so afraid to sing plain ol’ Christmas music…at Christmas.
I must just excerpt your thoughts in a future blog—so be bold. Meanwhile, enjoy the Christmas music—while you can!