Jennifer Russell

“Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.” Psalm 108:2-3

If you’re an early riser or have ever been awake just before sunrise, then you may have noticed the energetic, loud and nonstop singing of several birds. This phenomenon has been named The Dawn Chorus and occurs in many different species of birds all around the world.

Some scientists believe male birds sing before dawn to defend their territory or use it as a mating call. These birds are demonstrating how strong they are by how loudly they can sing. It is also believed that they choose to do this just before sunrise because it is too dark to find food and because it is quiet enough for their voices to travel far.

I was first introduced to The Dawn Chorus when my daughter and I decided to have a camp out in our backyard. We spent the night in a tent, and I realized the next morning that you do not need an alarm clock in nature. I was awakened by what sounded like a hundred birds trying to out sing one another.

At first, I was very upset by my early morning wake up call, but as I laid there and listened, I began to enjoy their beautiful song. I thought about how much more our God in Heaven enjoys this beautiful song every morning. His creation doing what they were created to do and singing praise to their Creator for the start of another day. If the birds of the air can wake up and give praise to the Lord, then I should too.

I hope that if you are ever abruptly awakened by this beautiful chorus, you too will be reminded to sing the Lord’s praise each morning when you rise.

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7

I love Christmas lights and have since I was a little girl. My family and I usually drive around the weeks leading to Christmas to check out our favorite houses all lit up.

On Christmas night I saw the most beautiful Christmas light display I had ever seen. After dinner my husband, daughter, mother-in-law, niece and I piled into our car and headed out to see a home light display around the corner from my in-laws’.

When we pulled into the cul-de-sac there were other cars parked with their headlights off watching the lights dance around to music. The owners of the home and neighbors were outside directing traffic and helping each car find the best place to park for the best view.

We tuned our radio station to the right channel and began to watch. Immediately I notice this wasn’t just twinkle lights set to music, but this was sophisticated LED technology. Each strand of lights could display any color of the rainbow. There were two screens made up of LED lights on the front of the house that displayed pictures and the lyrics to songs. It was mesmerizing to watch. Eventually we all stepped out of the car to get a better look.

Then I noticed the music. Christmas songs and Christian songs all sung by Christian artists. There was a large wooden nativity that sat front and center. Crosses and even a picture of Jesus Christ shown in the lights of the Christmas trees and on the screens on the front of the house. I was brought to tears when I realized, this was not just a Christmas light display. This was a proclamation of the Gospel.

I wondered how many hundreds or even thousands of people had come to this cul-de-sac in Amelia, VA and heard the Good News. How many nights were like this night where adults and children danced, sang along and gave glory to God?

It was truly a beautiful sight and a great reminder that we as believers should use every opportunity we have to proclaim the Good News to those around us. Let’s go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born!