The Power of Simplicity
by Paul Clark, interim minister of music
In the year 2000 I came to the state convention office in Tennessee. I distinctly recall the months leading up to Advent and Christmas that year because it was the first time in twenty-six years that I was not serving in a specific local church as the music minister. I remember thinking that I would visit as many Christmas programs as possible that year just be-cause I could. Among those I attended was the Carol-Candlelight Service at First Baptist. I was not surprised that the musical presentation was outstanding, but I was surprised in that service nevertheless. I was surprised by the power of simplicity. There was not much pageantry, not a lot of fanfare. There was a fine choir accompanied by some outstanding instrumentalists, and a group of students who assisted in lighting candles at a point in the service. Though the programming was not complicated it was profound.
Fast forward to 2007, and here I am in the midst of preparations for this very special season of the year at First Baptist. I recognize that I have entered into important traditions that are a part of what makes the church recognizable for those outside and familiar to those inside its fellowship. I am being educated on the fast track as to how each of the weekly services through this season have served for many years--from Hanging of the Green and other special evening services as well as the Sunday morning worship times through Advent. Of course, of special note for me will be that Carol-Candlelight Service that first introduced me to some of the meaningful celebrations in which the church engages.
The wonderful truth is that the message of Advent and Christmas is the same in 2007 as it was in 2000. We live in the tension between so much darkness in our world and the faith we have as believers in the Light of the world. We live in a world that cries out for peace, and we find ourselves in celebration of the coming of the Prince of Peace. In keeping with the theme, Prince of Peace, Child of Peace, which will pervade the worship services through the Advent and Christmas season at First Baptist, special music presentations will address the theme as well.
We will try to present music that captures a glimpse of the tension between the notion of a Prince and the notion of a Child. We have selected pieces that we trust will reflect something of the mystery of the Incarnation, when God became man and lived among us (John 1). In-deed this is among the most glorious and mysterious of truths. We trust that music in its inexplicable way can help us grasp something of the hope issued in with the coming of our Messiah.
I hope you will join us Sunday night, December 16, at 6:00 P.M., and that the music will assist us all as we worship gathered around the Prince of Peace, who became the Child of Peace.
Also in the December 4, 2007 Issue of The Evangel
» Frank and to the Point
» The Power of Simplicity
» Lottie Moon Missions
» 2007 Contribution Deadlines
» A Family That Plays Together
» First Baptist Receives Historic Marker
» Student Basketball and Winter Warm-Up
» New Church Directory
» 2008 Discipleship Opportunities
» Send Your Christmas Cards Using the RA Post Office!
» Service of Remembrance & Hope
» This Week in Worship
