In this week's sermon, we spent time with one of the most quintessential Christmas traditions: music. Whether you're a strictly-after-Thanksgiving person or you've been stuck on Christmas playlists since June, that joy we feel about those familiar tunes points to God and is echoed throughout Scripture.

How are you experiencing the joy of Jesus in this season?

Take a look at the resources below to help you set aside some time this week to reflect on what you’ve been following the tradition of music throughout time.

Psalm 98:1: "O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvelous things."

Psalm 40:3: "And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God."

Revelation 15:3: Those who had conquered the beast sing “the song of Moses” (which is an old song, from Exodus 15 or Deuteronomy 32) but they also sing “the song of the Lamb,” a new song.

Revelation 14:3: The worshipers of heaven are said to be “singing a new song”.

Revelation 5:9: The four living creatures and 24 elders “sang a new song”.

Luke 19:40: "He replied, 'If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!'"

• Have you ever felt like the Israelites in Psalm 137—unable to sing or praise due to difficult circumstances in your life? How do you typically react when life throws you off track or when your circumstances feel overwhelming? Do you find it easy or hard to praise God in those moments?

• The Israelites believed their joy was tied to a specific place and circumstance. How often do you believe that your joy must be tied to your external circumstances (such as success, relationships, or physical well-being)? How can we cultivate a joy that isn’t dependent on our circumstances?

• What part of your current situation or struggle might God want to speak to, reminding you that something new is coming—even when it seems hard to see?

• The message of Christmas "interrupts" our lives by reminding us of God's presence and joy, even amid hardship. How can this message shift your perspective when you feel like you’ve "hung up your harp," like the Israelites? What would it look like for you to sing your new song of praise in this season?

• What does it mean to you that the joy of Christmas is not just for a specific season but is available year-round, even in difficult times?

• Is there a song or hymn that has taken on new meaning for you after experiencing God's faithfulness in a difficult season?

• Lord, help me to sing a new song of praise for the GREAT things You have done in my life.

• Thank You, God, for placing a new song of praise in my heart, and may my life reflect Your goodness.

• God, help me to sing a new song of worship everyday, reflecting on the joy I have in You!

• Lord, help me to always speak out in praise and never be silent, knowing that if I don't, even the stones would burst into praise for You because YOU are worthy of all the praise.