A New Song

As I read the passage of scripture for this special Christmas week, I keep noticing the very first sentence in Psalm 96 that simply says, “Sing to the Lord a new song.” Maybe it stands out to me because I’ve been a music teacher in a variety of settings and a worship leader for my entire adult life. When it comes to Christmas music, I’ve sung or played most any and every Christmas song you can imagine. One year I even had my elementary school children sing the 12 days of Christmas in their school program...a mistake I learned from real quick!

The idea of singing a new song...a fresh song seems so beautiful to me. Don’t get me wrong...I love the old songs and take comfort in them. If I had my choice we would still go Christmas caroling in neighborhoods with the old Christmas songs like Silent Night and O Come All Ye Faithful.

I guess I’m just wondering and reflecting on the idea of what a ‘new song’ would feel and sound like. I don’t mean harmony, melody, notes and rests or even lyrics. What I really wonder is what it would feel like to experience Christmas, to experience Jesus in such a fresh way that it would prompt a new song rising from my heart and soul.

Singing a new song speaks of something different. Fresh. Joyful. Relevant. Creative. Unique.

Are those words that I would use to describe my relationship with Jesus or my worship of Him? Is my relationship with Jesus fresh? Joyful? Relevant? Creative? Unique? Or is my relationship stuck in the comforts of what’s already been done, said and sung?

This Christmas I feel open to Jesus, a desire within to have a fresh encounter, a joyful celebration, a relevant and unique opportunity to experience what faith means. I believe that’s an individual decision and desire, but also one that bears even more fruit as we walk together in community.

Sing to the The Lord a New Song,

Ruth