Last weekend COVID made its annual visit to our house to remind us again that as much as we think we make our plans, really we aren't as in control as we would like to be. A nice lesson in humility and dependance on God in the lead up to the Christmas season!
This meant that we tuned into the live-stream for church on Sunday and there were two things that struck me from the service that I have been reflecting on this week.
The first was from Claire's interview on why we sing - we are a singing people! And we are for so many great reasons - we're told to sing, we've got the best news to sing about, we know the one who has created music and song, it gives expression to our thoughts and affections and it also speaks the truth of God's word to our heart.
The second thing that struck me was from David's sermon on Psalm 147 - that praising God in song is good!
How good it is to sing praises to our God,
how pleasant and fitting to praise him!
It's not neutral. It's good to sing! Good for us and a blessing to those who listen.
And it's not something for those who have perfect pitch or are musical or love karaoke. It's for all of God's people because it is fitting to praise him.
If you set aside singing the national anthem at Sky Stadium, Christmas Carols are almost the only time our culture will gather together to sing. I have had many conversations with unbelieving friends who love coming along to carols services because it is the only chance they get to sing (it's almost as if they were created to sing!?! 😜)
We've got such a great message about Jesus to share and wonderful hope to sing about. So why not bring friends and family along with you this Sunday?
There won't be Santa or reindeer or Die Hard but there will be singing. Singing great songs about 'thrill of hope' in the coming of Jesus for a weary world as we rejoice together.
Grace & peace,
Andrew