For many, carol singing is an essential part of Christmas. Familiar melodies. Words that poetically and powerfully capture the truth and wonder of the incarnation of Christ. The combination of the two create something nostalgic and beautiful which stirs the heart of believers and unbelievers alike.
In this strange year, it feels as if we need the uplifting and inspiring tonic of Christmas carols more than ever, and yet it is also clear that we will need to find creative ways to sing them. Whatever tier we find ourselves in the traditional indoor carol services will not work in its usual form. Government guidelines allow for suitably spaced choirs indoors and out, and groups of up to 6 people going door to door. So there are plenty of other ways we can keep the tradition going in a COVID-secure way.
Here are a few ideas:
Carols on the driveway - this might be the year to start a new, neighbourly tradition! Lots of us have got to know our neighbours better this year through clapping the NHS and neighbourly WhatsApp groups to help each other out. So why not suggest a time to sing carols from the end of your driveway? Check out the weather forecast, suggest a time, and then, suitably distanced, your street can enjoy a sing song and raise a glass of festive cheer to each other. Finish off with a “Clap for Christmas”.
Carols in the high street - if your high street has enough space for a group to spread out safely without getting in the way, this could be a brilliant way to cheer up shoppers and shop-keepers alike (let’s face it, they need it!) and maybe remind people that church is still there!
Carols in the car park - great for social distancing, nice and safe, and easy to park the car!
Our Christmas carol sheets have been designed for all of the scenarios above and any others you can imagine. They have large, easy to read text and we’ve suggested a key to sing in so that everyone has a decent chance of hitting the top notes! Plus, they feature a warm, accessible introduction to the gospel on page 2, which we hope people will read when they get home. And every copy sold will benefit Compassion, a Christian child development charity working in some of the poorest countries in the world.
If, like us, you’ve been feeling frustrated by the difficulty in doing gospel outreach this year, this is surely an opportunity to fill the night skies with the songs the angels sang.
James' role as Commercial Director encompasses marketing, sales and customer service. Before joining TGBC he spent time in Chile and Japan teaching English before becoming a fundraiser for Great Ormond Street Hospital. He is the senior elder at Grace Church Worcester Park.
