Issue 16
Luke
2:8-14
That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village,
guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared
among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them.
They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. "Don't
be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news of great joy
for everyone! The Savior - yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born
tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David. And this is how you will
recognize him: You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly
in strips of cloth." Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast
host of others - the armies of heaven-praising God: Glory to God in
the highest heaven, and peace on earth."
Such a familiar scripture to so many
- so easy to gloss over it because of its familiarity. Yet, when I
read this song of praise, I see the lowly shepherds right along side
the angels praising God for such a glorious gift - Jesus. So as we
work our way through all of the songs of praise that are so familiar
at this time of year, lets remember that the Good News is for everyone.
Whether we are working with a choir of 70 or 7, whether we have a
brass quartet or a full orchestra, a pipe organ or the piano, let's
remember that the message is for everyone. Our aim should be to praise
God and celebrate the birth of Jesus with whatever resources we have
at our disposal. As musicians, we have been given a wonderful gift
and part of our responsibility is to use our gifts to bring out the
gifts of others. May all of you have a blessed Christmas!
Music Alert:
Piano: Triptych
for Holy Week by Joel Raney, Hope Publishing
This 3 part collection is suitable
for playing as a whole or in part. Using hymns for Palm Sunday (Hosanna,
Loud Hosanna and All Glory, Laud and Honor), Good Friday (O Sacred
Head Now Wounded and Were You There) through Easter (Christ the Lord
is Risen Today and Crown Him With Many Crowns), this is a very practical
purchase.
Organ: Voluntary
on Engelberg by Charles Callahan, JW Pepper #8061478
This is a marvelous prelude, concert
piece or extended introduction to the hymn "When In Our Music
God is Glorified."All the resources of the organ will be called
on to get the full effect of this piece.
Handbells: He
Leadeth Me by Arnold Sherman, Hope Publishing .
This is a setting of the familiar
hymn which uses optional chimes. A level 2+ piece, it is readily accessible
to the intermediate or experienced handbell choir.
Book Alert:
Zondervan's
Handbook to the Bible. Pat Alexander, editor. ISBN#0310230950
This is actually a rewrite of Eerdman's
Handbook to the Bible. It has been expanded and updated with new maps
and photographs. For those who enjoy learning about the Bible as well
as reading the Bible, this book offers insight into many of the places
and people of the Bible.
Upcoming Events:
Mark your calendars - Choirfest
25th Anniversary at Underwood Memorial Baptist Church.
The first Sunday in May, 2008 will
be the celebration of Choirfest's 25th anniversary. Plans are underway
to celebrate in grand style so join us for a wonderful concert.
Questions? Comments? Events to publicize?
Contact me at fbwamusic@aol.com
Mary
