Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: http://read.jwpepper.com/i/1122622
Foreword Perhaps the prevailing theme of Christmas is the theme of joy. It punctuates our music, our family gatherings, our worship experiences, and many of our long- standing yuletide traditions. We expect our experiences at Christmas and the people with whom we share those moments to be filled with joy! But what happens when they're not? How do we handle the Christmas that comes amidst one of life's crushing blows? An unexpected job transition? A traumatic health crisis? A difficult family dynamic? A major financial strain? In those moments we have to dig deep and find a joy that is rooted in some- thing more solid than life's fleeting challenges. The Psalmist said it this way: Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5) It is in those moments that we are reminded that true joy–deep joy–is not founded in the moments of life, but on the Creator of life. As I was working out the "architecture" for this musical, I was struck by the profound "joy" themes that permeate the lyrics in these Christmas carols, both old and new: Born to reign in us forever, born to set his people free; dear Desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart. Jesus, joy of the highest heaven, born as a little baby under a wondrous star. Joy has dawned upon the world, promised from creation; God's salvation now unfurled, hope for every nation. Joy to the world! the Lord is come; let earth receive her King! The message of Christmas is truly a message of joy! It is an eternal message for all. It is a message to be embraced in the good days and the bad days. Joy has dawned upon the world. And that is something to celebrate! — Lloyd Larson