Originally published in the December 16, 2008 issue of The Evangel.
by Paul Clark, interim minister of music
This summer I went through a difficult, and somewhat fearful, time of dealing with health problems. I found myself somewhere between a state of shock and disbelief. The severity of the problem was difficult to grasp, and yet the more I heard from doctors the more fearful I became that things were just "not right" in my physical being. I was lying in the hospital bed watching family members come in and out of the room. I could tell by the look on their faces that things were "not right." I tried to rest and cooperate with the doctors' orders, but I knew I needed a power beyond me to bring about restoration. I needed the Great Physician.
Following weeks of convalescence I gained back strength and began to feel whole again. The Lord was gracious and merciful. Today I find moments spent with family, loved ones, and fellow believers to be deeply rich experiences that fill me with worship and gratitude for my Redeemer.
It does not take a genius to recognize that we live in a world sick with problems as seen through a demonic extremism that drives men to shoot and kill innocent people, or through misplaced priorities that would motivate shoppers to trample a Wal-Mart worker to his death just to get a bargain. These things are "not right." There is nothing we can do to fix the problem. We need a Redeemer.
This year's Carol-Candlelght Service features the music of gifted composer Dan Goeller. This epic work presents the Good News of the coming of our Redeemer, Savior, Messiah, the Great Physician, who alone has the power to "make things right."
Join your church family and bring your neighbors, work colleagues, and others to hear the Truth of the only hope for our sin illness. Come hear how God entered the world to rescue His creation when "The Word Became Flesh."
