There are no words more authoritative than the words in the Bible but at this time of year we have the chance to sing carols old and new, using words which for the most part are based on the Bible. King David loved to sing and even today we can read these songs in the form of the Psalms. There is something special about singing. It stimulates the realise of feel-good hormones , dopamine and serotonin, lowers stress levels, and blood pressure and remembering activates the brain. And most of all we enjoy it. Carol services are very popular, attended by people who have a faith as well as those who don’t.
Every part of the Christmas story is illustrated through carols.. The shepherds are well represented ‘While shepherds watched their flock by night, all seated on the ground, Tate. And ‘Hark, the herald-angels sing, glory to the new-born King,’ Charles Wesley. Children are not forgotten with the carol ‘Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.’ Martin Luther.
It’s a shame we only sing the carols at Christmas, the words are worthy of remembering all the year round and not just for a few days. The carol ‘Mary’s Boy Child tell us ‘Man can live for evermore because of Christmas Day.’