Christmas Caroling Memories



Does anyone go Christmas caroling anymore?  Maybe they do, but it just seems like it was a bigger thing "back in the day".  lol.  Although, sadly, come to think of it, actual invited visits were more of a thing back then, let alone a drop in!   I remember watching a hysterical video called "When Your Door Bell Rings - 20 years ago vs. today".    The comedian describes the great joy that people 20 years ago experienced when unexpected guests rang their doorbell and the special welcome and treatment they would receive including an "Entenmanns or Sara Lee crumble cake and Sanka lol  vs. now when the doorbell rings, people are shushing and "hitting the floor" so no one knows their home.  :-(

When did society become so closed off.  Is it because of social media.  Which is interesting that it is even called social media when it is anything but!

Christmas Caroling may be a thing of the past, but it was one of my favorite childhood Christmas memories...

When I was a young girl, in Brownies, our troop leaders made all the girls red capes with attached bells that we all wore during a door to door Christmas caroling event in one of the troop leaders neighborhoods.  It was so much fun and really put you in the Christmas spirit.

One of the church's my husband and our family attended years ago had a tradition of going out Christmas caroling in a local neighborhood and sharing the Gospel after we sang.  It was a wonderful family event and a beautiful testimony not only to those who listened, but to the children who came with us Christmas caroling.

We attended another church which had a nursing home ministry, and every Christmas, a group of us would go and sing Christmas carols to the nursing home residents.  Rick would play the guitar and lead us in song.  It seemed he always circled back to a resounding rendition of Joy to the World.  To this day, I can't hear that song without thinking of Rick.  :-)

I certainly love all the old Christmas hymns!  In fact, I just received two packets of Christmas hymn music sheets to play on my lap harp.  I can't wait!

I would say that hymns are my favorite to listen to at Christmas, but as I mentioned last week, there are three stand out contemporary Christmas songs that I really love and are very powerful, which I will be spotlighting during Advent.  You can read last week's post here.

This week I am highlighting, Casting Crowns version of Carol of the Bells...

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play
And mild and sweet their songs repeat
Of peace on earth good will to men

And the bells are ringing (peace on earth)
Like a choir they're singing (peace on earth)
In my heart I hear them (peace on earth)
Peace on earth, good will to men

And in despair I bowed my head
There is no peace on earth I said
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men

But the bells are ringing (peace on earth)
Like a choir singing (peace on earth)
Does anybody hear them? (peace on earth)
Peace on earth, good will to men

Then rang the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead, nor does he sleep (peace on earth, peace on earth)
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail 
With peace on earth, good will to men

Then ringing singing on its way

The world revolved from night to day
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men

And the bells they're ringing (peace on earth)
Like a choir they're singing (peace on earth)
And with our hearts we'll hear them (peace on earth)
Peace on earth, good will to men

Do you hear the bells they're ringing? (peace on earth)
The life the angels singing (peace on earth)
Open up your heart and hear them (peace on earth)
Peace on earth, good will to men

Peace on earth, peace on earth
Peace on earth, Good will to men

Songwriters: John Mark Hall / Dale Oliver / Bernie Herms 





Such incredibly powerful lyrics!  This song also gives me chills just from reading the words, and I also love how this song builds to a powerful crescendo with...

Then rang the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead, nor does he sleep (peace on earth, peace on earth)
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail 
With peace on earth, good will to men

Even though there may not be peace on Earth, and for many of us, no peace in our circumstances, that precious Babe in a manger brought peace to our hearts.  When experiencing anxious thoughts, we can center ourselves in the promise that Christ's peace lives within our hearts.  It doesn't matter what we are feeling on the outside, the peace of Christ rules in our hearts.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, 
since as members of one body you were called to peace. 
And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15

During the busyness and stress of the Christmas season and/or circumstances that may be causing you anxiety, remember these promises to draw on the peace that ALREADY resides within you...

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, 
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7

The Lord gives strength to His people; 
the Lord blesses His people with peace.
Psalm 29:11

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, 
because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, 
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” 
says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:10

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. 
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27



And the bells they're ringing (peace on earth)
Like a choir they're singing (peace on earth)
And with our hearts we'll hear them (peace on earth)
Peace on earth, good will to men


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Comments

  1. I love caroling also. Great Post. I am your neighbor on Anita's Inspire Me Monday.

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    1. Hi Karen,

      Thank you! So glad you came by to visit! :-)

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  2. I loved reading your post. It does seem like social media makes us less social! I can remember caroling with my children when they were young on the square of our little town while snowflakes fell all around us. What a wonderful memory!

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    1. Hello! That sounds like a wonderful memory - caroling in the snow! Thanks for sharing and thanks for stopping by!

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  3. It has been too long since I last caroled. I might have to drag my daughter out caroling this year. Visiting from #LetsHaveCoffee.

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    1. Hi Calleen, Sounds like a plan. lol. ;-)

      Thanks so much for stopping by. :-)

      Delete
  4. I was in Christmas plays but never went caroling that would have been fun. While we have so much to be thankful for and things were harder in the good old days, His love, joy and peace have never changed.

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    1. Hi Rebecca, To be in Christmas plays sounds wonderful too!

      Indeed and Amen!

      Thanks for stopping by.

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  5. Our church still goes caroling every year. We visit all the shut-ins and go by the Nursing home and sing to our members who are there. But you are right, it's not what it used to be.

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    1. Hi Heather, Oh that's wonderful!

      Thanks for stopping by. :-)

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  6. I confess it's been awhile since I've been Christmas caroling. We used to go to a nursing home when our daughters were young. A group in our neighborhood has said they will come caroling this Sunday night so I hope I remember to turn on my porch light for them to come by.

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    1. Hi Lisa,

      Thanks for sharing.

      Oh that will be nice! :-)

      Thanks for stopping by.

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  7. I had the students at the boarding school I worked at in Montana make Christmas cards and we delivered them (along with a few carols) to all of the homes surrounding our school. It was a lot of fun!

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    1. Hi Anita, That sounds wonderful and a lot of fun! Thanks for sharing and for stopping by. :-)

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  8. I appreciate all the Scripture you shared on the topic of the peace the Lord gives us. I am visiting from www.trainingheartsathome24.blogspot where I also wrote about peace this week. Blessings to you and Merry Christmas!

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    1. Hi Ruth, Praising God that the Scripture verses were an encouragement.

      That seems to happen a lot. The Lord speaks to His people on the same subject at the same time, but who share different perspectives. So good to be part of the fellowship of God.

      Thanks for sharing and for stopping by.

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  9. I love those old carols, too, sweet friend. I miss the old days for many reasons. Maybe it is up to you and me to bring those old traditions back! LOL! I trust the Lord will richly bless you and your family this beautiful Christmas season!

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    1. Hi Cheryl, Love it! Sounds like a plan! Although I think you would be the singer in the duo. Haha.

      Thank you so much dear friend. We've had a rough go of it this December. (Really 2018 has not been one of my favorites...) But the Lord has been ministering to me through the Advent Bible Study I am doing and I am very grateful.

      Praying God's blessings upon your sweet family for a happy and blessed Christmas and a wonderful new year.

      Sending hugs and lots of love,

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  10. Beautiful blessing scripture post. So many traditions of my youth have passed by the way. I too remember going Christmas caroling. Maybe some still do it in the city, but we live out in the country so have not heard anyone doing it in years. When I did the children's group at Church some years ago, I took them caroling. Hopefully, they like you, will remember. :) Have a wonderful week heading up to Christmas.

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    1. Hi Peabea, Thanks so much for sharing your Christmas caroling memories. :-)

      Thank you!

      Merry Christmas!

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