FOCUS: Worship Thoughts 6/2/13

This week at the Georgetown Church of Christ is a very special week.  One I have been looking forward to since January of this year.  This week, as we continuing our reading in The Story, we are going to be focusing on the birth of Jesus....in June. How awesome is that?

I love this for so many reasons.  First, it's just plain fun.  Growing up, Christmas season was always highly valued around my house.  I remember my mom listening to Christmas music starting around October (or even earlier), putting up the Christmas tree before Thanksgiving, and not taking it down till well after Christmas Day.  So, I love the nostalgia I have picking out Christmas music and thinking about Christmas time.

Secondly, it is so nice to be able to focus on the birth of Jesus without all the other junk that comes along with the holiday season.  In June, we are not having to worry about getting gifts for people that they won't ever use, hearing the world debate about "Merry Christmas" versus "Happy Holidays" as a proper greeting, the mass consumerism and greed as parents trample each other e.g. Jingle All the Way style as they try to get the next hot toy for Bobby or Susie.  This time, we get Jesus...and only Jesus.  We don't have to mess with all that other stuff that often fogs over the true message of the Christmas season.

Third, I love the message of Christmas hymns.  If you look deeply into the lyrics of many Christmas hymns you will see a message of justice, mercy, compassion, and radical change to the world.  One of my absolute favorite hymns around Christmas time is "O Holy Night."  I love this verse of the song:

Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all us within praise His holy name
Christ is the Lord
Oh praise His name forever
His power and glory evermore proclaim
His power and glory evermore proclaim

Do you hear the message of change and hope for this world?  Is that not what Jesus came for...to radically change the world?  This week as we worship, let's hear the story anew.  Let's see God's Upper Story play out as He changes the Lower Story forever.  The birth of Jesus, the Messiah, changes everything...for all time.  Let's worship in that spirit this week!

Set List
O Worship the King
Joy to the World
We Will Glorify
Silent Night
Angels We Have Heard on High
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
O Come All Ye Faithful
How Deep the Father's Love for Us
How Great is Our God
Shout Hallelujah