While growing up, pop music was a big deal for me. There was little silence in my life—the radio was always playing or my stereo blaring. Even now, when an “oldie” comes on the radio, I’m surprised at how easily the tune and lyrics come back to me. What really surprises me, however, is the nature of some of those lyrics—how could I not have realized some of the things I was listening to? I know, I sound entirely too old and grumpy.
Each week in worship we hear the Word of God read and preached; we respond often with Scripture in our liturgy and prayers. We also speak the truths of the Word as we sing hymns, songs and praises to our God. Often some of the most profound things we say in worship come in the lyrics of the songs we sing. Unfortunately, we frequently sing without thought, and hence, miss the substance of what we are proclaiming.
This week in worship we are doing “Lessons and Carols,” following a centuries-old tradition of interspersing biblical texts and classic hymns to tell the Gospel, and Christmas story. Rather than mindlessly, or even nostalgically, singing the words, we will draw attention to the core Gospel message embedded in these familiar tunes. Consider verse 1 of Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus:
Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free
From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art,
Dear Desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart.
Now, that’s good stuff! Or, verse 3 of O Come, All Ye Faithful:
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be all glory given;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!
O come, let us adore Him! Christ, the Lord!
Or, from The First Noel, verse 5:
Then let us all with one accord, Sing praise to our heavenly Lord,
That hath made heaven and earth of naught, and with his blood mankind hath brought
I am not a creative guy. I don’t have much of an aesthetic eye, and I lack any artistic talent. But some things are so well said that they capture the imagination, they evoke a response, and they inspire. The hymns of the Church, and especially those at Christmas time, have stood the test of time for a reason—they are memorable, sing-able, and familiar; but mostly, they communicate Christ in ways that penetrate our complacent, sinful, often dull anti-God armor.
We are excited this week to read through the Gospel message, and to sing that message through the various hymns and songs of the Church. We look forward to seeing you there!
By Henry Knapp