First Presbyterian Church of Alabaster (Cumberland)
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Tuesday, 13 December 2005
     Into the quieted atmosphere of the sanctuary Sunday night broke magnificent, wonderful, innocent sounds of music. I sat on the back pew sometimes looking at the choir, sometimes watching other worshipers, absolutely watching the children and youth – especially the cherub choir – every note worn as an emotion on their face! But, every so often with my eyes closed, just listening. Participating with instrument and voices by being still and silent and finding opportunity to be completely swept into the peaceful wash that I think only music delivers.

     With the gifts of Jeannie Bubbett, Julia Washburn, Carolyn Key, Marcia Allen, Mary Lee, and Cynthia Jarrett God is visiting on us in every worship service the glorious sounds of God’s presence. Since it’s the Christmas season, we’re probably a little more in tune with the music of the church. The hymns of the Christmas season are rooted deep in our hearts and in our collective memories. There’s hardly a hymn that doesn’t evoke the memory of a person, a time, or a place that is held dear to us. I think, maybe, there is a purity to the Christmas hymns that we embrace and sing joyfully – a purity that we either miss or resist in other seasons of the church year. Christmas music wakes us up to the intimacy of God and the blessed gift of grace and truth that God pours on us in Jesus.

     We’ve been talking quite a lot about the Advent and Christmas season as the beginning of our new year. We’ve been reminded through the scripture lessons that God is eager to visit salvation on us. We’ve been celebrating the gifts of hope, peace, and joy. We’ve been getting ready. Waiting. Watching. Straining and yearning for the glimpses of God and the opportunities to serve and worship God in our daily living. Sunday night’s service of worship given to us by God through the music of God’s gifted people should be further sign to us that something pure and wonderful and truly joyous is upon us. Jesus’ advent is near!

     I don’t know who Alice Tucker is, but I ran across these words she wrote the other day as I was doing some reading about music in the worship service. See if you agree with these words much as I do. Tucker writes, “ Church music should not be for entertainment, but a worship experience that lifts us to the portals of heaven and leaves us thinking of the greatness and goodness of God. ” Sunday evening as I watched and listened and quietly participated in worship, all I could imagine was how deep and wide is the love, the grace, the mercy of God shown to us in Jesus. I wasn’t entertained. I was made to understand who God is and how great and good is God’s love for us.

     I hope the same worship happened to you. I watch, wait, and long for that pure worship to happen again. Jesus’ advent is near!

     Grace and peace,
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 13 December 2005 )
 
 
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