Yesterday was the third week of Advent, and Vintage21 Church continued our study in Isaiah 9:6 by examining the name “Everlasting Father”. Although Jesus is the Son of God, this title is an encouraging one to us all as we see that we receive new birth from Him. Last week’s post dealt with this role of Jesus, and the depth of love he has for us. What love and grace, that we would be called daughters and sons of God!
Vintage21 Church has five services across three campuses in both Raleigh and Durham. Yesterday I had the privilege to visit both Raleigh campuses – appropriately titled Raleigh West (117 S. West Street) and Raleigh East (110 S. East Street). It was exciting to see and hear both campuses worshiping God through song, and I was reminded of the beauty of the Advent hymns we sing. These songs often become rote tradition, and lose their meaning amidst the noise of the secular celebration of Christmas. You’ll hear “Oh Holy Night” in between “Jingle Bell Rock” and “White Christmas”, and over time it feels like a song of tradition instead of a hymn of praise.
Hearing the church sing these songs with fervor and joy quickly brought these back to their proper place of worship. As we continue this season of Advent, consider the words we sing. Are we responding with joy at the good news of Immanuel – “God with us”?
The footage below was taken with my phone at the Raleigh East and Raleigh West campuses. Make sure to check back to worship.vintage21.com each day this week as we prepare for the fourth sunday of Advent!
Previous Advent posts:
- Advent: More Than A Manger
- Christmas: The Worst Cover Song Ever
- Redeeming Christmas
- Advent Has Begun!
- Mighty God or Helpless Babe?
- Jesus, The Everlasting Father
Matt Stevens is the Worship Pastor for Vintage21 Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. Contact him via Twitter: @MattStevensNC