Christmas and music

The Express Tribune

Music is a universal language. It creates a certain atmosphere and inspires us to get in touch with our emotions in a unique way. Music and Christmas have a symbiotic relationship and go hand in hand with the tradition of the season. Christmas music is enjoyed the world over as it brings cheer to many over the holiday season, exudes a spirit of warmth, generosity and goodwill. The golden age of English carols was between 1350 to 1550 although we are not sure when the first carol was written. Amongst the vast collection of Christmas carols, the most popular and most loved of all time are “Jingle Bells”, “Silent Night”, “Joy to the world”, “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, “Mary’s Boy Child”, “Santa Clause is Comin’ to Town”, “Frosty the Snow man”, “O Come All Ye Faithful”, “We three kings”, “Feliz Navidad prospero ano y felicidad”, a Spanish carol, and “We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year”.

The singing and music skills are embedded in children through Sunday school at a very early age. Sunday school for children plays a crucial role in the growth and development of new leadership, allowing the word of God to take root among them. Sunday school teachers are usually lay people selected for their job by the church board. The teaching is based on Biblical stories and scriptural passages. Although there are different methods of teaching within Sunday school, the principle method of teaching traditions and beliefs is through music. It is important for children to learn church music. The songs range from spiritual to contemporary gospel music. Music is the most powerful teaching tool. It becomes easier for children to memorise the biblical stories when words are sung and combined with memorable melody. Sunday school lays the foundation and through it, the Christian faith is taught and lived.

Congregations enjoy singing psalms and hymns with the group of musicians playing piano, guitars, trumpets, tambourines and drums. Besides celebrating a caroling Sunday, it is over for 30 years now that the churches in Karachi have organised Christmas carol competitions to express and share this religious joy. This year, Central Brooks Memorial Church, St Andrews Church, Holy Trinity Church, Citizens of Heaven Church, ARP Church, All Saints Church, Christ Church Mission Road have held this programme. Christians from all over Karachi take part in these competitions. The Church choirs, bands and solo performances are observed by the judges and then the winners are awarded. Many beautiful carols are heard and enjoyed by the audience. Participants await and prepare for these competitions all through the year. The winners and well-known choirs are from All Saints Church, Assemblies of God and The Messenger band.

As we celebrate Christmas, we intend to spread happiness, holiday cheer, words of faith, hope and inspiration door to door with our beautiful Christmas songs and carols.