Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: http://read.jwpepper.com/i/1040525
Performance Notes WHO IS JESUS? ...not "Who Was Jesus?" but "Who Is Jesus?" The question is asked in the present tense be- cause it's Christ's interaction with our lives in the here and now that is the focus of this 30 minute work. In examining the events of Holy Week, Who Is Jesus? uses music and narration to provide some answers to this important question. The centerpiece of this work is a powerful text by Timothy Dudley-Smith that carries us through the entire story of Christ's life. To create a meaningful worship experience, I've combined original music with these beloved familiar hymns and spirituals: - I Want Jesus to Walk with Me - Footsteps of Jesus - Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us - The Welcome Table - Sweet By and By - Lord, I Want to Be a Christian - I Have Decided to Follow Jesus - Fairest Lord Jesus The work culminates with the crucifixion story in a moving rendition of "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded." Along the way in our questioning journey, the Narrator guides us in our search for answers. For convenience, a separate "Narrations" section starts on page 60. If desired, the congregation can be invited to sing in several places during the work. A page of Congregational Verses can be found on page 62. Who Is Jesus? is designed as a Tenebrae, to be used anytime during Holy Week or the Lenten season. Lighting seven candles before the opening narration and extinguishing one after each of the seven songs brings home the meaning of Christ's inexorable journey to martyrdom. After the last candle is extinguished, the use of the final hymn, "Fairest Lord Jesus," is op- tional and can be used in several different ways, as shown on page 58. Meant to be an intimate work, parts for a small chamber ensemble are available to enhance performance. Flute, Oboe, Violin, Cello, and Horn can be used in any combination. There is also an optional organ part available for churches that would like to add organ in addition to, or in lieu of the chamber instruments. – Joel Raney For Preview Only