“They will bloom with abundant flowers and rejoice with joyful song.” A song, a simple melody, a simple note, a joyous phase, need not be so complicated. It can in all simplicity, be a joyful rhythm, a sorrowful note, an upbeat rhythm, a simple tune. A hymn we can follow, perhaps dance a line or two. The depths of the lyrics, the emotion of the words, the art of the rhythm and rhyme. A heartfelt story, a difficult situation, an unpleasant experience, a heart break, and a breakthrough all at the same time. An intimate experience, a sorrowful longing being expressed. A joyful lyric moving us pass our heartaches and pain. A joyful song calling us to worship, prayer and praise. To dance and rejoice, to cry or be sad. To sing-along, hum-a-long, or simply be silent and still. We sing with our hearts, with our souls, with our spirits, with our lips. Our silence also sings with a smile and perhaps some tears. We sing when we are happy, when we are sad, when we are joyful, when we are angry, upset, or glad. It helps to sing in difficult moments and challenging times. When words escape us, a song gives us the right words. Somehow the songwriter knows our joys and celebrations, our aches, and pains. The lyrics express what we are unable to express, describe or say. The song speaks to us, and the song speaks for us. It speaks our language, our emotions, our inner most feelings, thoughts, and desires. It reads our hearts and expresses our mood. It knows our thoughts, every emotion, sentiment, and attitude. A song simply is a powerful tool. In Advent, we are invited to bring the song down a notch or two. To be simple in the instrumentation, perhaps chant a hymn or two. To remain reflective, spiritual, prayerful, watchful. To sing quietly from within. To listen to ancient hymns placed in us so long ago. A tiny whisper, an ancient call to repent, return, and to believe. A heartfelt song of mercy. A joyful hymn of gratitude, thanksgiving, and peace. It is a melodious tune sung by the heavenly choir of Angels and Saints. We join them at every Mass, with our family and friends who have gone before us in hope and faith. Together we rejoice and joyfully sing: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of Hosts, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.”
