Praying Twice: The 12 Days of Christmas with Carols and Hymns

Those who sing pray twice. In our Christmas carols, we find praise, contemplation, lamentation, and affirmation. Singing them, we join the angelic chorus with the shepherds, participating in the harmonies of the spheres. Our carols rise to the heavens and plumb the unconscious depths of the Spirit, where the "sighs too deep for words" whisper. Childhood memories of carols linger forever at the edges of our memories, fueling our hearts with hope.

This holiday season, extend the Christmas joy through the traditional twelve days that lead up to Epiphany. After the busyness of parties and gifts, family gatherings and cookie-baking, take time to focus on the real meaning of Christmas. Celebrate each day with Bruce Epperly, meditating on the familiar words of Christmas carols. Sing and pray at the same time, as you rejoice in the coming of Love and Wisdom into our world, embodied in a Child whose compassionate embrace is greater than any challenge.

Joy to the world, for God is come.