I have often thought (and said) that most of my brain is filled with song lyrics. While I may not remember someone's name I just met, I can remember most if not all of the lyrics from a 1980's song from my teenage years!

I believe music is one of the most powerful mediums there is. Music can make us happy. It can make us sad. It can bring back long forgotten memories of times spent with family and friends. Music is the ideal time traveler. It can truly transport us in time. When we listen to music, we often feel a sense of peace that sometimes eludes us during our everyday lives. Everyone of us has a soundtrack that accompanies our life. Each of our soundtracks is different, yet each makes us feel the same way.

I also believe Christmas music is powerful. I remember the year I first heard and sang "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer". I remember singing songs as a child in Christmas programs. When our kids were little, Ed's Grandma Pat loved to hear all of us sing to her in the nursing home, especially the 12 Days of Christmas! And of course I remember singing Silent Night during Christmas Eve worship, especially the year my father and I went to a community Christmas Eve worship service at 11pm. The candles and the music seemed extra special that year.

We all have a soundtrack that accompanies our lives. What is your Christmas soundtrack? What special songs do you play over and over every year? In recent years, my soundtrack has grown to include one of my favorites like "Mary Did You Know?" and "Somebody Build a Manger" (one of my favorite choir songs!) my daughter Neyali loves "The Grinch Song". I love playing Christmas music on the bells.

Make time this Christmas for music - of all varieties. Listen to the classics, and find some new ones. Think about the memories these songs evoke - both happy and sad. Think about the truths you know about God because of those songs. Because of Christmas, I know God is with me. I know what love is because I know Jesus Christ. I know this - joy to the world, the Savior reigns no matter what happens around me. Join me in giving thanks for the blessing of music in your life.

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year! I love giving gifts, decorating, spending time with family and friends, and I love the music of Christmas. For me, Christmas would not be Christmas without music. May you be blessed this year by the songs of the season.

Everyone at the Pedersen house would like to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas season and the happiest of New Years!

Pastor Caryn, Ed & family