EDITOR'S COLUMN - For many of us, Christmas would not be Christmas without the spiritual comfort and joy of the churches' annual carol services.
Fortunately, festive seasonal sounds are perhaps more abundant than ever before throughout Graaff-Reinet this year around.
These past few weeks, local churches have resounded with hymns and hosannas and the merry singing of churchgoers.
A couple of weeks ago I attended the annual carol service of the local Dutch Reformed Church. I must admit that it was the first time in several years I attended an evening carol service, but the experience has made me endeavour never to miss it again.
This past weekend, I was fortunate to also attend the 'Christmas Celebration' - a production by The Assembly Church. I found it to be quite spectacular.
Featuring talented musicians, singers and dancers from within their own congregation, the production was heartwarming and a real joy to behold.
The local churches seem to be going all out to engage their congregation with song this Christmas.
This coming weekend it is the Trinity Methodist Church's turn, who will be hosting a special musical duo during their annual carol service.
What makes these carol services so special?
I'm completely convinced it is the feelings of happiness and optimism the familiar tunes associated with Christmas evoke. We have all memorised the lyrics and tunes of these songs.
The melodic carols of Christmas immediately transport you to childhood. I can remember gleefully joining in at an early age long before I knew the significance of why "all is calm" or the reason "all is bright."
The songs of the season are, in fact, so familiar, I could probably merely mention just a few of the rhyming words used in a particular song, and you'd know that song.
Maybe that's what makes these songs so endearing - they just capture a simple spirit of giving and caring that seems to make us feel like the world still has a chance.
So where does all this singing and festive feelings leave us? I'll tell you where... in a better place. When the words of "Away in a Manger" tell us "the cattle are lowing," I know exactly how it goes and it makes me want to join in. And frankly, I think it's the time of year where it's perfectly fine to hum, whistle, or carry a Christmas tune. It quickens the step, brightens a smile and might even infect a passing stranger or a clerk with the same feeling of goodwill.
If you're afraid you don't know all the words, don't panic. Just find one that rhymes.
In the next couple of weeks, attend the Christmas services still to be held, and when possible, sing like nobody's watching. Be considerate, though. It's probably not best to channel your inner Andrea Bocelli during a young soprano's effort to deliver "O Holy Night".
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