You know that moment when a Christmas hymn hits just right? Like, your heart swells, your eyes mist up, and suddenly, you're closer to heaven. Yeah, that's the power of sacred music, especially during Christmas. John Morales talked with the Very Rev. Fr. Joshua Caswell, pastor of St. John Cantius in Chicago, about how these beautiful melodies draw us deeper into the mystery of Christ’s birth.

🌟 Sacred Music Stirs the Soul

Fr. Caswell shared how music can move us beyond words: straight into the heart of God. He reminded us of St. Augustine, who wept at the sound of hymns, realizing it wasn’t just his mind but his soul being touched. This is the beauty of sacred music: it’s not just for believers: it can even crack open the hearts of atheists and those far from the Church. Beauty has that kind of power. ✨

🌟 A Church Where Heaven Meets Earth

If you’ve ever been to St. John Cantius in Chicago, you know this firsthand. There's so much beauty, filled with sacred music, stunning art, and liturgies that transport you straight to the divine. Fr. Caswell talked about Christmas Mass there, where an hour of carols leads into Midnight Mass. He described it as nothing short of heavenly.

🌟 Sacred Music Through the Ages

From Gregorian chants to timeless carols, the Church’s music tradition spans 2,000 years. Fr. Caswell even shared a story about Prince Vladimir’s emissaries, who encountered such awe-inspiring beauty at Hagia Sophia that they declared, “We didn’t know if we were in heaven or on earth.” That’s the kind of impact sacred music has; it changes hearts, inspires conversions, and connects us to eternity.

🌟 Fr. Caswell’s Fave?

He’s all about “What Child is This.” The melody and lyrics wrap the mystery of Christ’s birth and sacrifice into one stunning package. He also shared the joy of the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at St. John Cantius, a mix of scripture and choir performances that often leads to profound spiritual awakenings.

This Christmas, let the beauty of sacred music lead you closer to Jesus. Whether it’s a carol, a chant, or a choir, these sounds are echoes of heaven, reminding us of the wonder of the Incarnation. So, what’s your favorite sacred song? 🎶

Don’t forget to listen to Christmas Music By Relevant Radio! You’ll hear sacred, instrumental, and traditional classics on the Relevant Radio app!