The Power of Music

On April 10th (at Abbeville UMC) we will all be blessed by the wonderful gift of music presented by our choir, our musicians, the writers of the songs, and all of the other moving parts that comprise a worship service.  Come at 10 AM for this blessing and stay with us for a pot luck lunch (bring a dish if you can).  But I will make an observation about music I hope expresses my love and passion for this great gift of God.  I think the best thing about true Christian music is ... it is led, inspired and ordained by the Holy Spirit.

In 1739 the song Christ the Lord is Risen Today was written by Charles Wesley.  It was the first year of his conversion.  It had its debut at the Wesleyan Chapel in London, known as the Foundry Meeting House.  The parent song of Wesley's version was actually written in the 14th century and had 11 stanzas.  While the tune was different and the words had some different lines, the hymn has been sung for 283 years and has been a fixture at Easter services in all Christian traditions.

When you come Sunday, say a prayer of thanksgiving for our dedicated people who have worked to bring us beautiful music.  Give praise to God for His gift of music, and express your gratitude to the Holy Spirit for gracing us with words like Wesley's ageless hymn:

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia, Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia, Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia, Sing ye heavens and earth reply, Alleluia.

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia, Where O death, is now thy sting, Alleluia, Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia, Where thy victory, O grave,  Alleluia.

Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia, Fought the fight the battle won, Alleluia, Death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia, Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia.

Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia, Following our exalted head, Alleluia, Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia, Ours the cross the grave the skies, Alleluia.

Hail the Lord of earth and heaven, Alleluia, Praise to Thee by both be given, Alleluia, Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia, Hail the resurrection Thou, Alleluia.

King of glory, Soul of bliss, Alleluia, Everlasting life is this, Alleluia, Thee to know, Thy power to prove, Alleluia, Thus to sing and thus to love, Alleluia.

Thank you, Holy Spirit, for teaching us to sing what we believe.  It is both beautiful and important.  For Christ is life, and He is the truth, the life and the way!  AMEN