Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs: 09.12.30 (Advent 3)

This week we celebrated week three of Advent at The Crossing and the morning had several highlights for me, personally. We had a string trio as a part of the band which added a rich, warm texture to many of the songs while hinting at the of longing and need we're called to wait in during this season. 

We participated in communion together and also introduced a new/old hymn called "Savior of the Nations, Come" arranged by Bruce Benedict (a great musician and an acquaintance of mine). Bruce himself shares some thoughts on the hymn in his blog, Cardiphonia, that give some insight into its history and meaning.

Savior of the Nations, Come is a fairly obscure but ancient hymn that beautifully reflects the themes of advent as well as reinforcing the tenants of the Apostles Creed, the humility of Christ (Phil 2), His Intercession, and the gloried anticipation of his expected return.

Savior of the Nations, Come is an ancient hymn written by Ambrose (4th cent.)  Ambrose is a well known Latin Father, preacher and mentor of Augustine.   As early as 372ad Augustine attributes this hymn to the hand of Ambrose, originally composed in Latin as “Veni, Redemptor gentium.”  Martin Luther picks up this text in 1523 and as part of his reformation translates it into German for his congregations.  It is today probably one of the most beloved german advent hymns. It was first translated into English by William Reynolds in 1851.  This translation comes from Calvin Seerveld who prepared it for the Psalter Hymnal (1984).

You can also find more information on the hymn at Bruce's blog also contains some wonderful readings and hymns that he has adapted that serve as helpful guides for our journey through Advent. You can also find more information on "Savior of the Nations, Come" at The Hymnary. Be sure to check both out. 

Call to Worship 

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Words: Charles Wesley
Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord
(London: William Strahan, 1745), number 10.
Music: Hyfrydol, Rowland H. Prichard (1830)
Alternate tune: Traditional Welsh Melody
Recording by Red Mountain Church
From the album “Silent Night”

Coming Glory: Candle Lighting
Isaiah 46:2 

Joyous Light
Words by unknown author (late 3rd -early century 4th century)
Translated by John Keble (1834)
Alt. arrangement and additional chorus by Chris Tomlin,
David Crowder and Louie Giglio (2004)
Recording by Chris Tomlin 

O Come, Let Us Adore Him
Words: St. 1 attr. J.F. Wade, 1751; tr. F. Oakeley (1841)
sts. 2-4 anonymous,
Music: John F. Wades' Cantus Diversi (1751) 

Coming Glory: Prayer Litany
Psalm 96:1-3, Luke 24:25-27, 30-32, II Corinthians 4:6, 
Daniel 7:13-14, Revelation 7:11-12

Come, Lord Jesus (An Advent Song)
By Diane Thiel
Recording by Diane Thiel (Vineyard Music)
From the album “Is God Listening?” 

Coming Glory: The Advent of Jesus Christ, Part 3 
Luke 1:57-2:7 

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
Words: Liturgy of St. James (5th century),
Adapted by Gerard Moultrie (1864)
Music: PICARDY 8.7.8.7.8.7. French melody (17th century).
Arr. by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1906).
Recording by Red Mountain Church
From the album “Silent Night” 

Message:The Courage of Joseph
Shay Roush | Matthew 1:18-25

O Come, O Come Emmanuel
LM 88 88 (Veni Emmanuel), Words: Latin, 12th Cent; tr. composite
Tune: "Processionale:, 15th cent. ; adpt. Thomas Helmore, 1854
Recording by Red Mountain Church
From the album “Silent Night”

Savior of the Nations, Come
Words: Ambrose (4th Century), Martin Luther (1523),
Traditional: Calvin Seerveld (1984)
Music: Enchiridia, Erfurt (1524),
Arrangement: Bruce Benedict (2009)
Recording by Bruce Benedict 

Joy to the World
Words: Isaac Watts (1719) (based on Psalm 98)
Music: ANTIOCH C.M.rep. George Frederick Handel (1742)
Arr. Lowell Mason (1836)
Recording by Red Mountain Church
From the album “Silent Night” 

Musicians for 13 December 2009:
Vocals: Mark Collum
Bass: Nick Havens
Acoustic Guitar, Piano and Vocals: Scott Johnson
Percussion: Andrew Luley
Organ and Piano: Kerry Maggard
Reader: Claire Novak 
Cello: Josie Patton
Vocals: Kristen Pierce
Violin: Alison Tatum
Viola: Jake Wandel

Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs: 09.11.30 (Advent 1)

The season of Advent is now upon us. Bruce Benedict writes that Advent (which means “coming” or “arrival”) is a time that "focuses our attention of Jesus Christ’s birth and ministry as well as his Second Coming. Since we can’t anticipate the day or hour of Christ’s return, we are filled with both a sense of Joyful expectation and humble reverence, with our spiritual focus being on lives of prayer and preparation."

Advent is one of my favorite times in the church calendar for the eason that it asks that we slow down and examine the story of Jesus Christ more closely. In the details of his arrival and birth we remember how God fulfilled his ancient promises to Israel. We then find encouragement has we hold fast to His promise that Christ will one day come again and restore this broken world.

The Crossing's services on 30 November ushered us into the season of Advent with songs scripture readings and silent prayer that helped us to be still, wait, understand our need and thus, go deeper in our longing for Christ, our Emmanuel (which means, "God with us").

Call to Worship

Joyous Light
Words by unknown author, late 3rd -early century 4th century;
Translated by John Keble, 1834,
Alt. arrangement and additional chorus by Chris Tomlin,
David Crowder and Louie Giglio.
Recording by Chris Tomlin

Coming Glory: Candle Lighting
Isaiah 9:2

Prepare a Place
By Michael W. Smith and Christine Dente
Recording by Michael W. Smith and Christine Dente
From the album “Gloria”

Coming Glory: Prayer Litany
Psalm 24:9-10, John 1:14, 2 Corinthians 3:9b,
Isaiah 40:3-5, Matthew 25:31-32a

O Come, O Come Emmanuel
LM 88 88 (Veni Emmanuel), Words: Latin, 12th Cent; tr. composite
Tune: "Processionale:, 15th cent. ; adpt. Thomas Helmore, 1854
Recording by Red Mountain Church
From the album “Silent Night”

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Words: Charles Wesley
Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord
(London: William Strahan, 1745), number 10.
Music: Hyfrydol, Rowland H. Prichard (1830)
Alternate tune: Traditional Welsh Melody
Recording by Red Mountain Church
From the album “Silent Night”

Coming Glory: The Advent of Jesus Christ, Part 1
Luke 1:1-25

Come, Lord Jesus (An Advent Song)
By Diane Thiel
Recording by Diane Thiel (Vineyard Music)
From the album “Is God Listening?” 

Message:
Finding Hope in the Ultimate Dysfunctional Family
Keith Simon | Matthew 1:1-17

The Gospel Song
Words by Drew Jones, Music by Bob Kauflin
Recording by Sovereign Grace
From the album “Songs for The Cross Centered Life”

Musicians for 30 November 2009:
Vocals: Mark Collum
Bass: Nick Havens
Acoustic Guitar and Vocals: Scott Johnson
Vocals: Megan McDonnell
Reader: Claire Novak 
Cello: Josie Patton 
Percussion: Stephen Varner
Piano: Ethan Vizitei
Organ: Cortney Wright

The Broken Beauty of Michael Jackson

Yesterday, I saw "This is It," the documentary culled from over 100 hours of rehearsal footage of what was to be Michael Jackson's final tour. I really enjoyed this film. So much so that I bought Thriller off of Amazon marketplace (24 years after the fact). As much as it is easy to say this after his death - it is a great, great album.

Here are some thoughts on the film...

I enjoyed the lack of artifice, hysteria and histrionics that usually accompanies a Michael Jackson production. Except for one section, there are no rapid cuts to screaming fans or shots that only serve to magnify the myth of Michael Jackson. Instead, we get to see the working artist in the trenches preparing himself for a tour and working hard. One is reminded that Jackson was very, very gifted artist... a fact that was somewhat lost amid the nonsense of the past 15 years. Some of the best moments of the film are simply watching the amazing control he had over his body as he effortlessly moved and danced around the stage. He also had a wonderful voice which is underscored in the way he effortlessly sings the coda of "Human Nature" with an aching beauty.

It was interesting to see how much the crew enjoyed the Jackson 5 songs that he performed, particularly; "I'll Be There." This segment brought a big smile to my face as I enjoyed the purity of those songs and what they mean to people. At the same time, I wondered if the J5 songs have the same aura of beauty and joy for Jackson as they have for his fans given the tumultuous lack of childhood he experience in that period of his life. Do they conjure good memories or bittersweet, painful ones? Wherever Jackson himself is at, there is a broken beauty when one witnesses the juxtaposition of the fresh faced 12 year old singing those songs to the 50-year-old version of Jackson that is markedly changed in appearance. I like what my Pastor, Dave Cover, wrote about this in a recent blog of his...

"It was clear that there is both a glory and a wretchedness to Michael, just like in everyone else. But it seems more obvious in him. He was so talented and, well, so obviously gloriously made in the image of God. And he was also so deformed and decrepitated by his own idolatries of fame and money. You could actually see the very physical toll his idolatry took on his appearance. I felt so sorry for him. Yet I’m sure God sees me the same way. My heart’s idols ruin me in so many ways that are clearly visible in my relationships, my emotions and attitudes, and yes, my own appearance."

One last thought - The Jackson I saw in the film is a distinctly lonely man. One gets the impression that there is an invisible barrier between him and his crew and, as a result, the viewer. Jackson's inner world is the living embodiment of the line used to describe the mystery of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, "Nobody ever goes in and nobody ever goes out." As I became aware of this subtle undercurrent in the film, I started thinking about the success of Thriller. It was probably the best and worst thing to happen to Jackson in that it brought him incredible success and fame but at the cost of true relational community. Jackson himself once said in an early 80’s interview,

"Even at home, I'm lonely. I sit in my room sometimes and cry. It's so hard to make friends ... I sometimes walk around the neighborhood at night, just hoping to find someone to talk to. But I just end up coming home."

Jackson's loneliness is poignantly evident all these years later and probably the most tragic part of his whole story.

Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs: 09.10.25

Last week, The Crossing wrapped up it's sermon series on Revelation with Keith Simon speaking on Revelation 21 and 22. Instead of focusing every song on the promise of restoration in Christ's return, we decided to tell the story of Creation, Fall, Redemption and Consummation using songs, readings, and visual interpretations of the beauty of creation and the intrusion of sin. We hoped that as The Crossing remembered the whole story of God's glory in His creation, the brokenness of humanity and Christ's once and for all sacrifice that overcomes human sin, it would stir in us a longing for the promised new heaven and new earth and a desire to live our lives in a manner that reflects that hope.

CREATION

The Doxology
Words: Thomas Ken (1674)
Music: Old 100th, Genevan Psalter (1551),
attributed to Louis Bourgeois (c. 1510-c. 1561)
Recording not available

All Creatures of Our God and King (All Creatures #2)
Words by Francis of Assisi (1225); tr. by William H. Draper, (c. 1910)
Tune from "auserlesen Catholische Geistliche Kirchegesange", Cologne (1623)
Adapted and additional chorus by David Crower (2004)
Recording by David Crowder Band, from the album “Illuminate”

FALL

Corporate and Silent Confession

Only Your Blood
By Neil Robins (2009)
Adapted from “Psalm 51, Part II” by Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
Recording by Sojourn Community Church
From the album “Over the Grave: The Isaac Watts Project, Volume One

REDEMPTION

Reading: Titus 3:3-7 (NIV)

In Christ Alone
By Stuart Townend and Keith Getty
Recording by Joanne Hogg, Margaret Becker & Máire Brennan
From the album “In Christ Alone: New Hymns of Prayer and Worship”

RESTORATION

Reading: Revelation 1:1-5 (NIV)

I Will Rise
By Louis Giglio, Chris Tomlin, Matt Maher and Jesse Reeves
Recording by Chris Tomlin
From the album “Hello Love”

Message:

The Present Power of a Future Promise

Keith Simon | Revelation 21-22

Lord Jesus, Come
By Adam Sacks
Recording by Sovereign Grace Music
From the album “Lift a Shout” (Out of print)
From the album “Spring Harvest: Live Worship 2003”

Musicians for 10 October 2009:
Piano: Nathan Billings
Violin: Taylor Bonderer
Bass: James Dent
Acoustic Guitar and Vocals: Rhett Johnson
Acoustic Guitar and Vocals: Scott Johnson
Percussion: Andrew Luley
Organ and Synth: Kerry Maggard
Vocals: Kristen Pierce
Vocals: Lynn Roush

Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs: 09.10.11

I've decided to start posting the songs (and song history), scripture readings and other service elements for The Crossing's weekly worship services. Some weeks I'll comment on the song order and the significance of the choices that were made. Other weeks will just be a simple post with the service order. Each item will have a link for those who are interested in seeking out a specific resource.

The following is the service order from 11 October 2009.

Gathering Song: My Savior’s Love Endures (Magnificat)
By Jennie Lee Riddle, JJ Heller and Dan Heller
Based on Luke 1:46-55
Recording by JJ Heller

Call to Worship: Sursum Corda (Lift Up Your Hearts)
(circa 3rd Century)

The Doxology
Words: Thomas Ken (1674)
Music: Old 100th, Genevan Psalter (1551),
attributed to Louis Bourgeois

Here is Love
Words by William Rees, 19th century;
Music by Robert Lowry, 1876;
Additional Chorus by Matt Redman (2004)
Recording by Passion Band
From the album “From the album “Hymns: Ancient & Modern”

The Lord Is
By Pat Sczebel and Bob Kauflin (based on Psalm 23)
Recording by Sovereign Grace Ministries
From the album “Psalms”

Reading: Psalm 23 (ESV)

Come, Holy Ghost
Words: "Veni, Creator Spiritus", att. Rhabanus Maurus (c. 800)
and Raymond G. Mills (1997)
Music: Bruce Benedict and Raymond G. Mills (2006)
Recording by Redeemer Presbyterian Church
From the album “Mid All the Traffic”

The Doxology: Reprise
Words: Thomas Ken (1674)
Music: Old 100th, Genevan Psalter (1551),
attributed to Louis Bourgeois

Message: A Tale of Two Feasts

Communion Medley: Sing to the King
By Billy Foote and Charles Silverster Horne
Recording by Eoghan Heaslip & Laura Story
From the album “Worship Project H214”

Communion Medley: Here is Our King
By David Crowder
Recording by David Crowder Band
From the album “A Collision”

Revelation Song
By Jennie Riddle
Recording by Kari Jobe (Christ For the Nations)
From the album “Glorious”

It was a memorable service for a lot of reasons, one of which I'll talk about next week but for now, here's an MP3 of The Crossing singing "Come, Holy Ghost/Doxology".

Music Styles and Christian Snobbery

This quote is from David Peterson, author of the wonderful book Engaging With God. The quote is transcribed from a lecture on musical styles and the church at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

We all know that music is a great encouragement to snobbery. You can either be a classical snob, or a rock snob, or a folky snob. Basically, what we do with our music is we say, "I love this kind of music; this is what really excites me, and I can't bear that other stuff. I am not going to listen to your stuff."

The sad thing is that Christians fall into this same worldly trap. We become so familiar with and comfortable with our particular styles of music that we end up saying, maybe overtly sometimes, "I am not willing to listen to your kind of music. I am not willing to sing one of your silly songs." We get even more intense than that. We say, "Your music is not true worship. Your music is not honoring to God."

This is one of those areas where Christians feel at liberty to be quite unrestrained and quite ungodly in the way in which we position ourselves and talk to one another when it comes to music. So if music is going to be a meaningful and effective part of our church life, we need to submit it to the Scriptures. We need to apply the Scriptures in a very rigorous fashion from the pulpit about this subject. It is not just something for musicians to consider. I believe that as pastors of churches and as theological teachers, we have a responsibility to bring this, as with everything else, under the Word of God.

The Power of the Pentatonic Scale

Bobby McFerrin demonstrates the power of the pentatonic scale, using audience participation, at the event "Notes & Neurons: In Search of the Common Chorus", from the 2009 World Science Festival, June 12, 2009.

Publish Post