Music has special powers to reach us in innumerable ways. Galloway’s 2024 Advent Devotional Booklet features reflections on the music of Christmas and how it has touched and continues to touch our writers. I am deeply grateful to all who contributed to the Advent Booklet and shared their personal thoughts and stories, as varied as Christmas music itself. On behalf of all who will read and benefit from this booklet,
Most of the music referenced will be familiar to all readers, but some of it may be a bit more obscure. To enhance your reading and appreciation of the music mentioned, QR codes have been added to some of the devotionals. Please take the time to hear the music referenced and discover new and deeper understanding with the help of the QR codes, or simply by looking the music up yourself.
Our Advent Devotional Booklet is also designed to complement the Advent sermon series of our senior pastor, Rev. Dr. Raigan Miskelly, in which she will examine the first carols of Christmas and the insight they offer.  We invite you to be present at Galloway for those messages on Sunday mornings, in addition to our Christmas Concert on Thursday, December 12. We also welcome all to our beloved Christmas Eve service, which is mentioned with great affection numerous times in this year’s devotionals.
May this Advent bring you many blessings in the form of music, from quiet, reflective listening to joyful and exuberant singing. Music is truly a gift from God for each and every one of us to enjoy. Most importantly, may the music of Christmas keep us centered on the Good News this season celebrates.
Nora-Frances McRae, Advent Devotional Booklet Editor