Carol Three: O Come All Ye Faithful

Listen to this more modern version of the classic Carol as you do pay particular attention to the second verse:

 Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation;

sing, all ye citizens of heav'n above! 

Glory to God, all glory in the highest!

Part of the power of Christmas Carol is that they shine a bright light on the well known phrase that "To sing is to pray twice."  To sing we need to breathe deeply, breathe in the very breath of life that God first breathed in.  To sing we need to breathe deeply, remembering that when God gave God's name (YWHW) to Moses at the burning bush that name sounds like the sound of breathing.

Breathe in right now.

Breathe even deeper with your hands on your stomach.

Breathe with your arms like you are holding a yoga ball, letting your arms expand wider as you inhale.

Breathe with your arms reaching for the ceiling and drop them as you exhale.  Now again...as you exhale let out a very loud sigh.

Breathing is central to singing and to life.  If we join with the choir of angels belting out in gusto to God, we need to breathe to support and sustain the notes.  We need to breathe in order to support and sustain our very life.  We need to breathe in God's presence here and now in this moment as these words wash over us.  We need to breathe and simply be.

So, listen again breathing rhythmically with this hymn...and if you want to join in singing, that would be even better.

Prayer:  Help us pray twice this day, O God, as we let these words of prayer and praise guide us closer to the barn where You are born.  Amen.