2004
Idea List: Use Hymns to Know Him
December 2004

“Idea List: Use Hymns to Know Him,” New Era, Dec. 2004, 15

Idea List:

Use Hymns to Know Him

Many of the songs played at Christmastime are about snowmen and mistletoe but have nothing to do with celebrating the Savior’s birth. Most of these secular songs are not bad, but sacred music about the Savior can make Christmas more meaningful. Here are some ways you can use music to draw closer to Christ this Christmas.

  • Watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional broadcast by satellite or at www.lds.org.

  • Study the scriptures listed under a Christmas song in the hymnbook. Ponder the words of that song during the day.

  • Gather a group to go caroling so you can bring the joy of music to others who might need some cheer.

  • Learn a new Christmas hymn, and perform it solo or with one of your siblings at family home evening.

  • Have 12 days of true Christmas music. Listen to and sing songs about Christ for the 12 days leading up to Christmas.

  • Look in the Topics index of the hymnbook under “Jesus Christ,” find a favorite hymn about the Savior, and memorize it.

  • Learn the history of one of your favorite Christmas carols. Who wrote it? Why was it written? Share what you learn with your family or a friend.

  • Sing a Christmas hymn when you are trying to have good, positive thoughts.

  • Look for chances to sing in community productions, or check for free Christmas concerts in your area that you can attend.

  • Organize a trio or quartet to learn a Christmas carol people don’t hear very often, and offer to sing it for opening exercises at Mutual.

  • If you don’t sing or play an instrument, you can still appreciate good music about Christ. Listen to a tape or CD of sacred Christmas music, and then write in your journal about how it made you feel.

Extra! Extra!

Try singing or playing these Christmas songs: “Arise and Sing This Christmas Morn” (New Era, Dec. 2002), “Let It Come Quietly” (New Era, Dec. 2000), “Room in the Inn” (New Era, Dec. 1989) and “Little One” (New Era, Dec. 1986). You can find them in the Gospel Library at www.lds.org.

To learn more about music, see www.lds.org/churchmusic.

Illustrated by Scott Snow