Music always has been a powerful language. It eloquently expresses moods
and emotions that words without music cannot express. Music is a rare form
of communication that is universal, transcultural, transgenerational, and
ageless. Amazingly, music from a specific age and specific culture can
powerfully touch and move people of all ages in numerous cultures a century
later.
Music is a primary means of communication within our society. You doubt
that? Have you "noted" the role music plays in television programs? movies?
commercials? For teens and young adults, it is the number one vehicle of
communication.
We listen to it in our cars. We listen to it as we exercise or do routine
chores. We hear it so frequently during the day that we often do not notice
it. Because it is ingrained in daily life, the CD and tape music market is
a major, world wide industry.
We relax to music. We "psyche up" to music. We stimulate patriotism with
music. We "supercharge" crowds at ball games with music. We express joy
with music. We grieve with music. We pursue romance with music.
Music and life are inseparable. Important occasions, important events, and
important moments always include music.
Singing allows us to express feelings, thoughts, and emotions as can nothing
else. We can "say" things in song that we cannot express as meaningfully or
powerfully in any other way. Whatever our mood, we "experience" it with music.
The music of song must assist our worship. We "say" things to God by song
that we likely could not even say in prayer. Emotion, attitudes, and
feelings can be expressed meaningfully by every individual in the assembly.
By song we all talk to each other, to God, to Christ, and to the Spirit
simultaneously--without confusion! By song we converse with our hearts and
spirits and well as our tongues.
We want our singing to be a more significant part of our Sunday morning
worship assemblies. We do not want merely to sing more songs. We want our
singing to give voice to our hearts as we celebrate life in Christ. We want
each Christian to feel our Lord's presence as the congregation expresses
itself in song. We want our visitors to be moved by the praises that are
offered by song.
For the next two weeks I will share with you the ways in which we hope to
use our singing to worship God more meaningfully.
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