This week, as part of our Advent devotional, we get to hear Joel, Paige, and Helen Olmsted sing “Joy To The World!” I was able to chat with the talented trio about music, lyrics, and caroling. This is Advent for the Olmsteds.
Pastor Sarah: How long have you been singing?
Paige: I’ve been singing since I was 5 years old in a church choir and still am singing, and I like singing with my friends in and out of church.
Helen: I’ve been singing since I was 3 and I’ve been singing in choir at both the churches I’ve been at.
Joel: I have been singing since I was 6 at the same church choir that Paige mentioned earlier.
Pastor Sarah: You’ve all answered that you kind of got your start in church choir which tells us that church choir is pretty important.
Joel: I’d say it is.
Pastor Sarah: Do you think it builds up your confidence?
Joel: Definitely. It’s having a community of people who you sing along with and a director who will support you in your endeavors and help you grow in your music experience.
Pastor Sarah: You know that was my own experience as well!
So in your opinion why do you think people like to sing Christmas carols?
Paige: I think people like to sing Christmas carols because it helps get them more into the Christmas spirit, and it reminds them that Christmas is about Jesus, too.
Helen: I think people like to sing Christmas carols because it shows the Christmas spirit and people really enjoy it.
Joel: Yeah…it’s a fun way to get together and celebrate the Christmas season.
Pastor Sarah: Yeah, a lot of the carols were written to help tell the Christmas story, have a jovial time together, and get into the Christmas spirit–so you know your Christmas carols!
So what does a carol like “Joy To The World” tell us about Jesus?
Helen: It tells us that he was born, that he is the light of the world, and that he’s our Savior.
Joel: Right. It’s Jesus who’s bringing the joy to the world.
Pastor Sarah: That’s a great answer! I couldn’t have said it better.
Is there a song during the Advent and Christmas season that you absolutely need to hear and sing? And why is it the best?
Paige: I like “Go Tell It On The Mountain” because it’s happy and upbeat and reminding you to proclaim the news…spreading the good word.
Joel: One that comes to mind that is more of an Advent song is “Light One Candle To Watch For Messiah” I really like it! I think we sing it sometimes at St. Peter’s. The last church we went to, we sang it every year, singing one verse every week during Advent. It symbolizes the waiting, patience.
Helen: I like “Hark The Herald Angel Sing” because it reminds me when I was in the angel choir.
Pastor Sarah: Oh yes, those are all good ones. You guys rock! Thanks for sharing your talents and sharing with us how you celebrate Advent with singing, with music, and with Christmas carols!
