December 21, 2008

One of those days.
Today was one of those days where everything bad seemed to happen. Whether it was something I missed, one of the things that happened as a result of a concert hosted in our space last night, or one of those things you can’t really plan for, they all happened this morning. When the service began, I didn’t feel “in the right place” to be up there.
On a different week, where things go smooth, am I in this “right place”?  After six years of leading, I can honestly say that it’s not about how I feel. Thank God for that, because that would mean on days like today, when things go haywire, then our worship would be what? Wrong? God, forgive me for ever thinking the work of your Spirit is based on me. To quote a beautiful classic, “We are weak, but he is strong.”

The reality is, Jesus Christ is the leader of our worship.
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13-14, ESV)
This book has been a subject of study in my times of prayer and scripture, and I’m floored day after day. It’s all from, through, and for Jesus. Reflecting on such a chaotic day behind the scenes, I’m thankful that God is bigger than me.

Silent Night
Words by Josef Mohr, 1816
Music by Franz X. Gruber, 1820
Arrangement by Thad Cockrell, 2008

Last week (12/14) at the Raleigh campus the music was reportedly amazing. I hated to miss it, but this week we were blessed once again to have Thad fill in leading, and we were able to do this lively version of Silent Night. While some Christmas songs accurately and beautifully bring the Scripture to life, the music often is slow and archaic. Not the melodies, mind you, but the accompaniment. This year at Vintage21 Church, through the many talented musicians, we brought new life to these songs.

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Words by Charles Wesley
Music by Rowland Pritchard, 1830
Arrangement by Red Mountain Church

If you’ve yet to purchase the album “Silent Night” by Red Mountain Church, do so. That is all.

Sermon: Luke 1:57-80

O Little Town Of Bethlehem
Words by Phillips Brooks, 1867
Music by Lewis Redner, 1868
Arrangement by Thad Cockrell and Matt Stevens, 2008

Man, this song was swingin’ today. Similar to a Van Morrison tune. This also has one of my favorite lines in any song:
“The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”

What Child Is This
Words by William Dix, 1865
Music are a 16th Century English melody
Arrangement by Thad Cockrell and Matt Stevens, 2008

This song has always frustrated me. A beautiful idea for a song, and the minor key is great, but the range makes it difficult for congregational singing. You either start out too low, or end up to high. And the time signature isn’t easy to work with- it locks you into the waltzy feel. We worked hard on a new version, and man I wish there was a recording! This was fun to play and sing.

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Words by Charles Wesley
Music by Rowland Pritchard, 1830
Arrangement by Red Mountain Church

Angels We Have Heard On High
Words are a traditional French carol
Music arranged by Edwin Barnes
Arrangement by Thad Cockrell and Mike Simons

A beautiful way to end the day, as we sing over and over:
“Gloria, In Excelis Deo.”

Merry Christmas, everyone. What a beautiful God we worship! If you’re in town on Christmas Eve, check out our Christmas Eve service at 5:00 pm.

Band
Backing Vocals – Andrea Lawrence
Guitar- Steven Suits
Worship Leaders- Thad Cockrell (9:30, 11:30), Matt Stevens (6:00)
Keys – Laura Wooten
Bass – Jerry Updyke
Drums – Matt Stevens (9:30, 11:30), Seth Hall (6:00)

Today’s Sunday Review is posted in collaboration with other church music ministries at Sunday Setlists.