Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endure(s) to all generations. Psalm 100:1-5 KJV

Christmas is often a time when we make sacrifices for family. Yesterday, I spent over seven hours driving to and from airports. At one point, well into the seventh hour, I missed an exit and tacked on another forty-five minutes of unnecessary time in the car. Needless to say, my passengers and I were very frustrated. (!)

In the moment, I made a choice. It must’ve been prompted by the Holy Spirit, because it was not my usual go-to. I vocalized the facts: we were safe, comfortable, well-fed (we’d just stopped for lunch), and together. The complaints immediately turned to laughter, and I suggested music.

My elderly relative requested music from his day – Something Cool by June Christy, which was followed by tunes from the musical Carousel, and Christmas carols. My riders knew all the words to all the songs and sang them with gusto. I added my voice to the blend when I knew the lyrics.

Singing has a way of changing our mood. God knows this well and encourages us throughout the Bible to sing joyfully and to make a joyful noise. Our hearts turn outward and upward as we sing. Gratitude comes on the wings of praise and God receives glory.

As you go about your Christmas duties, turn up the radio and make a joyful noise to the One who loves us and wants our joy!

“Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Luke 2:10 KJV