More music for Jesus
Carolina Imperial poses in front of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Fort Worth in 2024. (NTC/Juan Guajardo archive photo)
This reflection is one of eight written by musicians from across our diocese as part of Songs of the Seasons, a series celebrating the beauty and meaning of Christmas music. Follow along the series [here]!
Christmas Octave Encore! A perspective on Christmas music from Carolina Imperial, local singer/song-writer
As a lifelong vocalist whose formation was shaped both by formal study and lived faith experience, my voice has also grown through private instruction and through service as a cantor for both the Diocese of Dallas and Diocese of Fort Worth. Singing for Holy Mass is what inspired me to register for OCIA, which led to my baptism at age 21
Favorite Christmas hymn
In “Oh Holy Night,” I love the musical build in the refrain, “Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!”
It is so powerful and a beautiful melody to sing, and I am always in awe as I imagine the night our Savior was born.
Inspired by music
Christmas music inspires tenderness, and it makes me wish I could do more each year to serve.
They also inspire humbleness. Nowadays we see the most extravagant Christmas decorations and light displays, but a warm, safe place to share a meal with your loved ones to pray is all we need. Jesus, the King of Kings was born in a stable. It reminds me that we do not need everything society tries to sell us and deviate from this special season.
The gift of music
Music brings us closer as a community. We create culture, traditions based on our favorite family hymns and there cannot be enough music to praise Jesus. For example, it’s not really a hymn, but there is a Venezuelan song, titled “Burrito Sabanero,” written by Hugo Blanco. Its primary lyrics? “While on my donkey, I am riding to Bethlehem!”
I have never had a Christmas season without listening to it and now, as an adult, it brings me some nostalgia because I feel the same happiness I felt when I was a small child.
Older hymns like this carry years of history, and I find their lyrics more profound and thought provoking.
In my humble opinion, the new Christmas music of today is all geared towards consumerism and centered around “gifts and toys,” drawing away attention of the real meaning of Christmas. The family home is the first church of your family. You are the leaders and have the responsibility to teach the youth the true meaning of the season along with the music that takes our heart to prepare for the birth of Jesus. Advent is such an important time -- we find joy and peace in the waiting while the world pushes us to keep racing, and we are reminded to be patient, obedient, and trusting like our blessed Mother Mary did.
Editor's Note: This excerpt has been edited for brevity and clarity by the editor.
By Carolina Imperial, local singer/song-writer