Celebrating Christmas through Ukulele Music and Faith

The Spirit of Christmas: Ukulele Style

The spirit of Christmas is alive and well in my corner of the world. This season always inspires my connection to creativity and faith, but this year feels particularly special. It marks the first year of the ukulele group I started at my church. Since March, a few brave souls have joined the group, and I’ve had the privilege of teaching them how to play the ukulele.

We’ve performed for the church, and tomorrow, we’ll play a set of songs for our Live Nativity event. I’m incredibly proud of the group and the hard work everyone has put in. Trying something new is challenging, and sticking with it takes even more courage. Watching them grow as musicians and connect through music has been one of the highlights of my year.

The Story Behind Jesus Loves Me Every Day

In the early days of my ukulele group, I created a song using simple chords—just one chord at the beginning, to be exact. My goal was to show how satisfying it is to play a song from start to finish, no matter how simple. Using the tune of "The Ants Go Marching," I rewrote the words and started envisioning illustrations to bring the song to life. Fast forward to today, and that song is now a picture book: Jesus Loves Me Every Day: A Ukulele Praise Song Story.

The book features vibrant illustrations and a song you can play throughout using just three easy chords. For those who don’t have a ukulele, you can still clap to the beat and enjoy singing along. I also included supplemental materials like a devotional, memory verses, and a Faith in Action Resource guide to make the book a more interactive and meaningful experience.

So what does this have to do with Christmas? Everything. The song—and this season—are all about God’s love for us. Creating this book brought me immense joy, and I hope it brings the same to others. Whether you’re singing it with children, clapping along, or reflecting on its message, I pray it adds a little extra light to your holiday season.

Ukulele Music at the Heart of Worship

My church’s ukulele group is open to everyone—both church members and members of the community. Over the past few months, we’ve shared joys, struggles, and prayer requests, building a deep sense of connection through music.

For the past two months, we’ve been hard at work practicing Christmas songs for the Live Nativity. Learning how to play 11 songs, plus working on vocals, has been no small task for a group of new players. But they’ve done it! Our rehearsals have been filled with challenges, triumphs, and lots of laughter. Tomorrow night, as we play, I hope the audience sees not only the beauty of the ukulele as a worship instrument but also the joy it brings to those who play it.

Creativity and Faith During the Christmas Season

This season hasn’t been without its challenges for me, including moments of heightened anxiety. The ukulele has been my “happy space,” a way to express creativity and calm my mind—my go-to remedy for difficult days.

There are so many ways you can express your creativity and faith this season. If you play the ukulele, try tackling a favorite song you’ve never played before. If you don’t play, consider writing your own Christmas song—structure it like your favorite hymns or carols, and write from the heart.

Not musically inclined? You can still nurture your creativity. Journal your favorite Christmas memories, or paint or draw handmade cards. They don’t need to be fancy; sometimes the simplest designs are the most heartfelt.

A Message of Community and Connection

Events like our Live Nativity remind me of the power of community. Our friends and neighbors will gather to pet the animals, see Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus in the stable, and stroll through our little town of Bethlehem. They’ll warm up with cookies and cocoa while listening to our ukulele group perform Christmas songs.

These gatherings aren’t just about tradition—they’re about connection. My ukulele group has found joy in practicing together, and I hope our music brings a sense of peace and togetherness to everyone who attends.

A Note of Hope and Joy

As we celebrate Christmas, I wish you hope, joy, and a renewed creative spark. The holidays can stir up a mix of emotions, but I encourage you to embrace your faith and creative spirit to create meaningful traditions of your own.

If you’d like to explore Jesus Loves Me Every Day: A Ukulele Praise Song Story, it’s available now, and I’d be delighted for you to share it with your family. If you’re in Northwest Ohio on December 8th, 2024, come visit the Live Nativity at Trinity United Methodist Church in Bowling Green, Ohio (200 N Summit St, next to the courthouse) from 5pm to 7pm.

Thank you for reading, and be sure to subscribe to this newsletter for more articles on ukulele, faith, and creativity. Merry Christmas!