On this Good Friday I am filling our house with the Message by way of music.
I have a fondness for Christian music that ties us to the believers before us and is steeped in the rich theology of the Christian Reformed faith.
Yes, I like hymns. Give me a Psalter Hymnal and I'm peachy. Call me old fashioned, call me stodgy, call me boring. Fine. You can't ignore the impact music has made on our faith. Hymns were used to teach theology. I have a problem with people wanting to competely rid the Church of these hymns that, after being around for hundreds of years, are suddenly "out of date" and "old-fashioned".
Not that I don't love the more current praise and worship music. My favorite modern day hymn is 'In Christ Alone' co-written by Keith & Kristyn Getty and Stuart Townend. RICH in theology and awesome to sing:
There is a place for both in worship. However, I do believe that we are doing a disservice to our children if we are not teaching them the rich music that has been an integral part of our faith for generations.
With that in mind, I am playing 'The Messiah' today and throughout the weekend into Easter Sunday. The Messiah was written by Handel in 24 days in 1741. 24 DAYS. My copy of The Messiah has 252 pages in it minus the 3 introduction pages. That is a miracle.
Here is a video clip of the ending of The Messiah, the song 'Worthy Is The Lamb':
May you have a reverent and reflective Good Friday and celebratory Easter Sunday...
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LOVE this post and couldn't agree more! Christ is Risen! Happy Easter!
ReplyDeleteExcellent post, Amanda! I love the Messiah, too. If you remember to, you should check out the Lynden Choral Society's Messiah at Christmastime at St. Paul's Episcopal Church: the old architecture, Scripture set to music at hand of a musical genius. It was the highlight of our Christmas last year. That and the snow storm we were caught in as we got out of Messiah, but that's another story!;-)
ReplyDeleteIt may be Friday, but Sunday's a-coming!!!
He is Risen! Yes, He is Risen, indeed!!
I LOVE that song! (In Christ Alone) =) We used to sing it in Chapel in College. Definitely one of my favorites! Thanks for the great post!
ReplyDeleteGo hymns! I love Kathleen Battle's early stuff.
ReplyDeleteAmen sister, I love hymns as well! There's nothing better to feel the spirit, than with hymns about our Savior. What a wonderful message at Easter time. -- The Messiah is incredible! I'd love to be there in person, listening to the symphony play that song! Happy Easter!
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