Pastors' Weekly Message: From Pastor Pat

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” Luke 2:13-14

It seems pretty amazing to me that the Christmas Choir didn’t really break into song until after the birth. Perhaps it was important that nothing detract from that moment when Christ breaks into the atmosphere, shifting a normal evening from sheep watching to Savior worshiping. 

Music is the sound of voices raised to melody, conveying a message. The message that first Christmas night was one of praise, thanking God for what God had done and welcoming the long awaited Messiah, come to save God’s people.

Sometimes we get a little miffed when the choir delays the singing of Christmas songs, for we all know Christmas is coming. Why the hold up? 

After all, the radio stations have been playing Christmas music since Thanksgiving.... What’s up with the church? We hear each day those songs that announce Christmas is on the way. For me, that is hearing the soulful sound of Donny Hathaway, and no one else, singing “This Christmas.” We want the music of Christmas.

But it is the sacred space of Advent, just as the silence surrounding the birth, that must come first.

Whether your favorite Christmas song is “Silent Night” or “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer,” sit first in the sacred pause that reminds us Jesus - not jingle bells - is the reason for the season.

-- Pastor Pat 
pallen@stpaulsk.org