Jan 14th, 2025

Music & Traditions

I participate in a Christmas program at my church, Boiling Springs First Baptist, which we hold every year at the beginning of December. The program features the church choir, the church orchestra (which I play in), and the children’s choir. I often perform in the program on the clarinet. I’ve been part of this event since 2016, when I was 16 years old. In addition to the music, some church members reenact the birth of Jesus, and before the service concludes, one of our pastors gives a short sermon.

The program typically lasts for three days, and it often overlaps with Converse College’s exam week, which can make things stressful for me. Each year, the music for the program changes, but there are a few traditional hymns we always include: O Come, All Ye Faithful, O Holy Night, Silent Night, and Joy to the World. These songs have become a meaningful part of our church’s Christmas celebration.

O Come, All Ye Faithful

O Come, All Ye Faithful is a popular Christmas carol that invites people to worship the newborn King, Jesus. It focuses on joy, reverence, and love. This song is usually one of the first choral pieces in our program. We ask everyone to stand, and I always feel that it energizes the congregation. The lyrics are powerful and inspiring, and the simple, sweet melody makes it easy for everyone to join in. I love seeing everyone stand and sing together; it always lifts my spirits and sets a positive tone for the rest of the program.

O Holy Night

O Holy Night is a powerful Christmas carol that expresses the wonder of Christ's birth. Its lyrics show the joy and hope His arrival brought to the world. During this song, we often have church members reenact the birth of Jesus. I particularly enjoy this part of the program because they always bring in a sweet baby to play the role of Jesus. This year, the baby was a little girl I often take care of in the nursery. The song’s mood matches the importance of the reenactment, and I’m always filled with joy during the reenactment and listening to the song.

Joy to the World

Joy to the World is a cheerful and popular Christmas hymn that celebrates the birth of Jesus with JOY (duh)! The lively music and joyful lyrics declare Christ as the King who brings peace, love, and salvation. We typically sing Joy to the World after the reenactment of the birth of Jesus. Its dramatic melody and uplifting lyrics perfectly convey the significance of Christ’s birth. This song always fills me with joy and excitement.

Silent Night

Silent Night is a well-loved Christmas carol known for its calming melody and simple, comforting words. The song tells the story of the peaceful night when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, creating a sense of calm and awe. I absolutely love this song. It fills me with hope and peacefulness every time we perform it. The gentle melody is beautiful, and the lyrics are deeply moving. Silent Night is usually the final song in our program. After the sermon, we sing it, and the congregation lights candles to hold up as a sign of worship. Since I’m playing the clarinet onstage, I don’t get to hold a candle, but watching everyone else raise their candles is a powerful and moving moment. The song also ends the program on a high note.

Every year, the Christmas program at Boiling Springs First Baptist reminds me of the true joy and meaning of the holiday. The music, the reenactment of Jesus' birth, and the feeling of community that makes this a special celebration of Christ's birth. Each year, this program fills me with thankfulness and excitement for the season. I’m so grateful to be part of this tradition.