Music in the Air

It’s that time of year when there is Christmas music everywhere! In the stores, on the radio, in some places it’s on the sidewalk as you go from one place to the other. I asked last week what is that song or songs you need to hear to put you in the spirit of Christmas. I have a few, but one of them is definitely “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” I’ve heard that several times and in several versions over the past few weeks. Here’s another question: what’s that Christmas song that you just can’t stand? “Last Christmas” and “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” get a lot of “bah, humbugs,” and people like to make fun of Mariah Carey’s, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”

For Advent, we’re looking at the songs that surround the birth of Jesus. So far we’ve seen Mary’s Song and Zechariah’s Song. Have you noticed the way that angels are instrumental in this story as well? It’s in response to Gabriel’s message that Mary sings her song, and after Gabriel’s message to Zechariah comes to pass, he regains his ability to speak and immediately gives us his song. Next week, the angels get their chance. Theirs is the shortest of these four songs, but perhaps the best known: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests,” (Luke 2:14, NIV). We call it the Gloria.

After the service yesterday, someone told me their angel experience. I have an interesting story of my own that I may share some day. I hope you’ll take time to read Hebrews 1 (and the other Scriptures for this coming Sunday). Hebrews 1:14 says, “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (NIV). I think I’ve recommended Justin Brierly’s podcast “Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God” here before. Josanne and I were listening to the latest episode while we were driving and someone there shares a moving story of an experience with angels. It’s a difficult story, but with an amazing conclusion. You can find the whole episode here. It is quite a long episode, so if you want to hear just the story I’m referencing, it begins at about the 1 hour 19 minute mark.

I hope you continue to make an effort to join us for our worship in this season. We’ll be having special music every week. It’s good to get together with others and remind each other of the importance of our faith. Hope to see you Sunday!

God bless,Brian

Scripture readings for next Sunday

Luke 2:8-20—What strikes you about the message of the angels to the shepherds?

Psalm 148—Who all is called on to praise the Lord in this psalm?

2 Corinthians 3:17-4:6—How are we being transformed into “ever-increasing glory”?

Hebrews 1—What does this chapter say about angels?