Christmas Is Coming... so what?

As a worship leader, I plan music and worship with the desire to see people encounter God; to wit, a God Encounter. Every Christmas I hear the question, "Are we going to sing carols this year?" And every year I answer the same, "We sing carols every year!"

But I struggle with our motivation behind singing carols. So many times, we only sing such songs at certain times of the year because it is "a tradition." And while there may be nothing wrong with tradition on it's face, I fear that "tradition" brings with it a sense of boredom, even laziness with the experience. Even songs like "Joy To The World" and "Angels We Have Heard On High" can (not should) be sung while looking around at others, and even yawning.

So this year we put together a program consisting of Readings, Poetry, and Bible verses around traditional carols and contemporary choir pieces. It has been a great way to spice up the regular worship and inspire new meaning into the old songs while ministering the Word of God to everyone in a traditional worship setting. I have been encouraged by the smiles and laughter I have seen as people sing those same songs we do year after year. And I believe that, for some at least, new life has been breathed into old traditions once practiced only in rote.

So what about you? Are you acting out of tradition and "should" or "have to?" Or are you striving this Christmas season to allow God to breathe new life into those things that can become bedrock in your life?

My Indictment

"The upright man gives attention to the cause of the poor: the evil-doer gives no thought to it." Proverbs 29:7 (BBE)

As I lay down, I grabbed my phone and decided to read the Proverb of the day. (It's where you read whatever chapter of Proverbs that coincides with today's date. A neat thing, it's the easiest for me to manage right now.) This verse grabbed my attention.

I found myself wondering where I fit; do I pay attention to those in need the way Christ did? What about that verse that speaks of the "harassed and helpless"? And if I don't does that put me in that unfavorable category of "evil-doer"?

No, I don't think I'm going to Hell just because I wouldn't give the drunk guy a buck, (you know, 'cause he'd just buy more alcohol? Right, I hate that line, too!) But I do believe that Jesus not only saw the needs of the masses, He worked hard to make a real difference in their lives. What's that? He could do that because He was God? True, but shouldn't I be working harder then to show Him to everyone I can?

I don't know- I'm just sayin...

In the Potter's Hand,
JW