Voices Lifted In Song

Voices Lifted in Song

Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

1 Timothy 4:12

When you were a young person, where did you go for fun or to meet other young people?

“Sings” or “singings” are Sunday evening gatherings attended by young people who are approaching marriageable age. These consist of an evening of hymn singing and are considered an acceptable part of Amish courtship. They are usually held in barns or homes, and the young participants chat between hymns.

Depending on the community, these Sunday night youth singings can have a positive or negative influence on young people. In some larger communities they are an excuse for teens to get together. As the night goes on, they turn into parties with alcohol. But in most Amish communities these are wholesome events for diligent young people to get to know each other. Some of these singings are chaperoned by adults, and snacks are served.

One of the goals of a youth singing is to spend time with other youth and to worship God together. Since youth above age fourteen don’t attend school together during the week, they don’t get to see each other on a regular basis. Another goal is to find a life partner.

During the singings the Amish youth do not sing popular hymns. Instead they sing the same songs from the Ausbund that they sing at church, but they often sing them to a quicker tempo. They often sing other Christian hymns in English, but they never sing popular or secular songs.

Similar to adults, young people can choose either to follow God or to follow their own desires. When it comes to knowing God, age is not as important as maturity of heart. Remember this when it comes to the young people in your life. Be an example to them. Encourage them and support them in their wholesome efforts, but also watch them, and you might discover ways they can be examples to you.

Dear heavenly Father, I’m thankful that You are no respecter of age. Help me to grow in maturity at the pace You’ve set for me.