Song may be sacred - a form of praise - or secular entertainment.
During this Christmas time of year, we particularly appreciate the many community musicians and vocalists who enhance the season with song.
Those sounds will be heard in public venues - including the Capitol Rotunda and Miller Performing Arts Center - and church sanctuaries.
A holiday tradition, Capitol Caroling, will celebrate its 75th anniversary Tuesday when high school singers fill the Rotunda with song.
This year's lineup of sacred and secular songs will pay tribute to Carl E. Burkel, a vocal music instructor who taught in the Jefferson City School District for 41 years.
The Jefferson City Cantorum, now celebrating its 45th season, performs its annual Christmas concert tonight at the Miller Performing Arts Center.
The group of 65 singers offer "A Cantorum Christmas - Songs of the Season," which includes a range of traditional carols and modern favorites.
Also featured at various venues in Central Missouri will be The Missourians, a group of Victorian-era carolers that helps provide scholarships to University of Missouri vocalists.
The Missourians are scheduled to perform this season at a number of area churches, which is no surprise.
Many congregations worship with song, which highlights services and special events during Christmas.
Praise through song may take the form of the Festival of Light, to be performed four times by Concord Baptist Church, or an invitation to members of a congregation to join the choir in singing the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's "Messiah."
The sounds of Christmas cantatas and bell choirs also will fill church sanctuaries this season.
Musical aptitude is a gift.
This Christmas, may the instrumentalists and vocalists who share their gift in the community and in worship enjoy appreciation and blessings of the season.