Singing is a simple and easy way to calm our tired little ones as they drift off to sleep, but for parents the repetition of the same few nursery rhymes, night after night, can definitely become draining. If you are keen for some faith-filled alternatives to sing alongside ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’, here are some ideas to get you thinking.
Why sing Christian songs?
Nursery rhymes are great, and I’m not suggesting we do away with them completely. However, with singing already such a core part of Christian worship we can draw on our faith to transform bedtime routines into a space that is prayerful rather than exhausting or repetitive.
Many traditional Christian songs, with their memorable lyrics and simple melodies, can be just as quick to learn as many other nursery rhymes. The added bonus is that they celebrate our faith, and offer us a way to raise up our children in the knowledge and love of God. Just as nursery rhymes can help our children to learn their ABC’s or count to 10, singing Christian songs can instil in their hearts and minds a trust in God’s abiding love, care and presence.
1 - Children’s Christian Songs
Lots of songs written especially for children tend to be quite fast-paced or lively, and many will also include actions. While they can be fun during the day, for bedtime it’s wise to stick to calmer, quieter songs.
Kumbaya
Jesus loves me, this I know
This little light of mine
He’s got the whole world in his hands
2 - Christian Hymns or Chants
Taize Chants
Taize chants are my go-to bedtime songs. Many are simple 1 or 2 phrase repeats. They are inherently calming, contemplative and prayerful, and designed to be sung over and over for as long as you wish. Your can find lyrics in many language translations on the official Taize Community website, along with the music score to learn the tunes. Recording are also available on You Tube, and after hearing the chants a few times you will learn the tunes by heart. Here are some of my favourites:
Bless the Lord, my soul
Jesus, remember me
Eat this bread, drink this cup
Lau da te omnes gentes
The Kingdom of God
Ubi Caritas
Wait for the Lord
In our darkness
O Lord, hear my prayer
The Lord is my light
Traditional Hymns
You may like to sing through the whole song, or perhaps just choose your favourite verse and repeat it a few times. Another option is to sing only the chorus or refrain, and repeat it a few times. Consider the hymns you are already familiar with, and choose those with lyrics that are especially meaningful to you. Consult your church’s hymnbook for ideas and lyrics. The lyrics for many traditional hymns are also readily available online, and recordings can be used to learn the tunes. Here are some that I often use:
The Lord is my Shepherd
Amazing Grace
How Great Though Art
Brother, Sister, let me serve you
Love divine, all loves excelling
3 - Seasonal & Occasional Songs
Just as our bedtime stories might reflect the changing times and seasons of the year, so to can our songs. Consider the themes which might be important to your family across the year, and where you can, introduce songs that suit the time of year.
Learn an Advent carol, such as ‘O Come, O come Emmanuel’
Sing favourite Christmas carols during the 12 Days of Christmas
Focus on joyful, hopeful hymns during Easter
Celebrate the Holy Spirit at Pentecost
Find a special hymns to sing every year for birthdays, baptism anniversaries and other occasions.
