It became difficult to tell just what it was that was singing—it was the thrush for sure, but it seemed not a single thrush, but himself, and all his brothers, and also the trees around them, as well as the gliding, long-tailed clouds in the perfectly blue sky—all, all of them were singing. And, of course, yes, so it seemed, so was I.
—Mary Oliver, Such Singing in the Wild Branches
The classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss has always been a holiday favorite of mine. Recently though, I learned that while the 53-year-old author Theodor Seuss Geisel wrote most of this story quickly, he struggled for months with the ending.
The ending, of course, is worth waiting for. After the Grinch has tried his best to ruin Christmas by stealing all the festive food, decorations, and presents from those cheery Whos, he feels certain he has silenced them. Surely he has confiscated the source of their joy! Yet, as we know, when morning came, young and old alike in Whoville came out of their houses and joined hands in a circle. And they looked up to the trees and sang.
“Every Who down in Whoville, the tall and the small, was singing, without any presents at all!”
Did you know that the psychology behind group singing shows that when we use our voice in this way, neurochemicals like endorphins and serotonin are released in our body? Actively singing actually makes people happier! Research also shows that singing with others improves social connections and reduces stress. In short, it has positive effects on the mind, body, and spirit. (Jacques Launay, University of Oxford) No wonder those Whos were so jolly.
I love how the Bible doesn’t treat this kind of singing like it’s a gift for a select few who are professionally trained. In fact there are over 400 references to singing in the Scriptures! Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
The practice of raising our voices in song isn’t simply something to improve a mood, it’s also powerful. The defiant act of welcoming Christmas reveals a transformative truth to the Grinch. In fact, it changes his heart! As we get close to Christmas it may feel like there are many things trying to steal the joy and wonder of this season. Financial struggle, family stress, political strife, health issues, and uncertainty in the New Year are just a few reasons you might just want to stay inside your house and keep quiet.
But, dear friends, I hope you’ll join the circle. I hope you’ll come out and sing with us the sacred songs that transcend our present moment and fill our hearts with wonder. Join the mighty chorus that welcomes Jesus anew into this world. Highland is known as a “singing church,” and no matter what comes next, we are going to join hands and keep on singing.
“Welcome Christmas while we stand, heart to heart and hand in hand.”
Prayer: God With Us, Thank you for the joy we can access through communion with you, with nature, and with each other. Help us form a circle of trust and connection that vibrates with your love. May our lives be full of the unshakeable joy that comes from knowing that like flowers, deep in our roots we always hold the light. Amen.
Sally Evans is a writer, minister, audio artist, and artful gatherer who loves bringing words to life. She is currently working for the Center for Interfaith Relations in Louisville. When she's not working, you'll find her teaching Sunday School and Cherub Choir, filling in for WFPL, or at an Olmstead Park with her family.