“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10

Christmas Caroling

Strolling through the Christmas tree farm, all bundled up on a chilly afternoon to find that just perfect tree. Almond butter cookies, creamy fudge, and white chocolate cranberry bliss bars—all coming from a cozy kitchen filled with the smells and sights of Christmas baking. Nativity scenes decorating the living room displaying the reminders of what we are celebrating this joyous time of year. Unwrapping of Christmas Eve pajamas combined with our annual viewing of the Polar Express while sipping hot cocoa with marshmallows. These are all just a few of my favorite experiences during this Christmas time of year!

Lastly, one of my favorite traditions which started for us about five or so years ago—Christmas caroling around to our neighbors, family and special friends. Five to seven of us head out in dresses, bells, bows, or Frosty the Snowman earrings donned, music folders in hand to deliver some Christmas truth and cheer. What started as something fun and Christmas-y to do has become part of what we try to squeeze into the schedule each year.  The cousins ask me every year—“Auntie! When are we going caroling?”

Everyone we visit enjoys the caroling, but there is always at least one person or family that seems especially touched. Last year was particularly special to me when the unexpected happened.

We always pick a variety of traditional carols such as “Silent Night”, “Joy to the World”, and of course “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” (complete with fist/arm swings across our bodies,) but a MUST every year—and one of my favorites—is “Little Drummer Boy.”

We visited our neighbor lady directly across the street from us, and on that night her mother happened to be visiting. We finished our selections with “Little Drummer Boy” and as I made eye contact with our neighbor’s mother, tears welled up in her eyes and she began to cry. We finished and she came over to give me a hug and thank us. “You see,” she told us, “that was my son’s favorite Christmas carol before he passed away years ago.”

It became a favorite of mine when I learned that it is my husband’s favorite Christmas carol.  In fact, ever since its release in 2012, we love to watch and listen to the video of the group Pentatonix singing it. Here’s a YouTube link to the video for you to enjoy: Little Drummer Boy by Pentatonix

“Lord, just by doing our everyday and traditional things, You can use us greatly when we exercise the gifts You so freely gives us! Please help us not to get so caught up in tradition that we neglect to show Your love. Thank You for blessing this lady so unexpectedly and so lovingly.”