Many modern evangelicals grow squeamish at the thought of chanting the scriptures. The thinking goes, “that kind of singing is wooden and antiquated. Why would we want to do that in our churches?” This provides another reason why the Christmas season is particularly transformative. Not only does it provide a “foretaste of glory divine” in people extending kindnesses and joys to one another during this season of giving, but people are also more patient with chanting. The following hymns are rooted or built on old chant melodies:
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Of the Father’s Love Begotten
Angels We Have Heard on High
Many of the same people who would bemoan chanting a psalm don’t think twice about singing the above carols during Christmas. There are musical reasons for this, but that is not the focus of this post. Instead, we should consider how quickly we embrace the singing of these carols and make sure we are as quick to embrace the other chants given to us throughout the church year.