oops. I didn’t get anything written last week so i will try to cover the last two weeks with this posting.
First, let’s do a survery. tell me your favorite Christmas songs and why. And your least favorite Christmas songs and why. After some responses I’ll share some of mine.
The sermon series this month is intended to open our eyes to the incredible depth of the grace of God. We often confine God’s grace to people in the know, the insiders, when the story of Scripture gives us the picture of a God who reaches well beyond those in the know. He reaches out, not only to the insiders, but to the outsiders, to the down and out, and to the alienated and misunderstood.
Two Sundays ago we covered the invitation to the insiders. Yesterday I spoke about the invitation to the “down and out” and used the shepherds as my starting point. I wanted to clarify that shepherds in the first century were not an elevated group of clean cut gents; they were smelly low lifes who weren’t allowed in the temple, were barred from many towns and who had a reputation of being petty theives. And yet, the invitation to Christ’s birth was hand delivered to these down and outers by an angel.
The truth is that most of us are down and outers. We may cover it up well, but in our heart of hearts, in the depths of our souls, we feel as if we are not worthy of the love of God. The message to the shepherds is a message that touches us deeply- God is at work and He is inviting us to join Him.
I have appreciated the special music the last couple of weeks. Erin sang “Breath of Heaven” and Cindy sang “Mary, Did You Know?” Both songs are dynamite and Erin and Cindy performed them wonderfully.
The choir number yesterday was so cool. I loved the bells. Mike thought about changing plans because the wether resulted in some choir folks missing, but the remaining choir members talked him into doing it and it sounded great. Did I get that story right, Mike?
The advent puppet moments with MagnifiCat have been fun. The youth do a exceptional job with the puppets and Mike has written some delightful scripts.
I love this season and I love the special stuff that goes on, but I am missing the Praise Team. I look forward to their return to worship leadership after Advent.
A special word of thanks needs to go out to Becky and all the folks who helped decorate the sanctuary and church for the season. It looks great.
Don’t forget the Harp concert Wednesday with Julia. It will be marvelous. I will be honest here- before I heard Julia play, I could not have imagined a concert of harp music but now I can’t wait for it. We do lunch at 11:30 and 12:30 with the concert at 12 noon.
Also, don’t forget the Christmas Eve service on Monday, December 24. A bell concert will begin a 6:30 and the Christmas Eve Service will commence at 7:00. We are planning a inspiring service that will be a highlight of the Christmas celebration. Bring a bell (if you don’t have one, we have plenty of extras) and plan to celebrate!
One more thing, check out the vision blog and send send your comments along, I look forward to hearing from you.
Uh oh…..favorite songs from the Organist is a question that probably shouldn’t be asked! I loved the music of this season and usually have at least one Christmas CD in the car all the time. Favorites….”Of the Father’s Love Begotten” (in our hymnal, but not part of our tradition), “Still, Still, Still,” the anthem from Sunday, “Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain,” “Before the Marvel of This Night”…and yes, “The Christmas Song” (probably because of all the memories hearing Nat King Cole sing that in the 60’s on WBZ radio in Boston, with DJ Dick Summers and all the poetry, etc he used to read with it……)
Yes, the choir, soloists, bells and music have been incredible this Advent. Thanks to everyone who have made it happen! I’m so proud of the RPM kids – they’ve done a fantastic job with MagnifiCat and Mrs. Holmes. Thanks too to Janet Gray, who is MC’s costumer. You’ll see some great stuff on him in weeks to come.
And you’re right, Steve. Most of us figure ourselves to be “down and outers” – we recognize our sin and our failures are seemingly always before us. Yet, you’ve reminded us that God continues to call us back to Him – and that He can use us to accomplish His purposes, regardless of our shortcomings. It’s a message, I believe, the world needs to hear!
I’m hoping the weather clears and we have a great turnout for Julia tomorrow. Having nearly 200 people last week was incredible – and a great witness to our community. The church looked so lovely and the lunch was fabulous too. Let’s pray it will be clear and dry!
Favorite Christmas songs……that’s a hard one! Favorite hymn, Away in a Manger (arrangement by Murray – not the Cradle Song arrangement) – my favorite Christmas hymn since I was a child. I also love the Christmas Song – “chestnuts roasting in an open fire…” Favorite instrumental – Kenny G – Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Favorite WBGL song – Happy Birthday Jesus – sung by the little child.
I agree the sanctuary looks beautiful – I love the tress and know Becky and friends spent many hours.
I’m so glad we did Magnificat last week….even though there weren’t many children…I think the adults like him as much as the kids. I wish you all could have seen Matthew Wimmer’s fascination with Serta the sheep…he was adorable!
I can’t wait to hear who will get invited this Sunday…I’m teaching the H20 kids, so I guess I’ll have to get the cd, maybe you can drop me a hint Steve!