My mother-in-law, who has since passed away, loved listening to music, especially old songs like Soulful Dreams（魂萦旧梦） and The Wandering Songstress（天涯歌女）. Those songs brought back many fond memories for her. She would sit quietly and listen, and sometimes her eyes would fill with tears. Music has a way of reaching into the depths of our hearts and stirring memories, emotions, and even longings that words alone cannot express.

The English poet Walter Savage Landor once said, “Music is God’s gift to man, the only art of Heaven given to earth, the only art of earth we take to Heaven.” Truly, music is a divine gift. Psalm 96 reminds us of the highest purpose of this gift: “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day” (vv. 1–2).

For Christians, songs are not only for remembering the past or expressing our feelings; they are also for proclaiming God’s glory, declaring His salvation, and joining creation in worship. Verses 11–12 remind us that music links earth with heaven, showing that when we sing to the Lord, we participate in something eternal.

So today, let us not only sing songs that stir our memories, but also sing new songs that proclaim God’s greatness, love, and salvation. In doing so, we join the chorus of heaven and anticipate that day when we will worship Him forever.

Reflection

• What is your favourite song, and why?

• What song brings you closer to God’s presence?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the gift of music. May my songs not only bring back memories but also proclaim Your salvation and glory. Let me sing new songs of praise each day, until the day I lift my voice in the eternal choir of heaven. In Jesus’ name. Amen.