Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: http://read.jwpepper.com/i/135473
Words from the Composer 2 My aunt, who was a very gracious lady, would often say, "Well, bless your heart!" People joke about that phrase now, but she really meant it. As I prepare to compose, conduct, or present a concert, I often whisper a prayer: "Lord, let me be a blessing to these people." That is my prayer for this cantata. As you prepare and present this work, may the Lord truly bless your heart. The Christmas story can bless and strengthen our hearts in many ways if we are ready for the blessing. If you long to experience the presence of God in a genuine way… Open your heart to the Spirit's power as the prophet calls us to "prepare the way of the Lord." If the Lord is calling you in a new direction or to a certain task… Echo Mary's response to the angel, "Here I am. So let it be according to your words." If your life is heavy with responsibility and you struggle to find your own path… Follow Joseph's response to his dream, and be strong and faithful to do the right thing. If you need to receive and accept the love that was offered through the birth of the Child… Come to the manger's side and embrace the holy love offered from the heart of God. If you need to experience the joy of Christmas… Come and celebrate with the shepherds as they praise and glorify God. If you desire to worship God in a deeper way… Lift your eyes to heaven and follow the Wise Men as they travel so far to declare "We have seen the star and have come to worship Him!" With open hearts, may we immerse ourselves in the story. For if we truly behold the Lord and embrace the love sent down to earth, we will go away renewed and filled with a Spirit of joy. Isaiah said that when we see the coming of the Lord, our "hearts shall thrill." May your hearts be blessed, encouraged, and thrilled this Christmas as you heed Isaiah's call to "Arise and shine, for your light has come!" —Pepper Choplin To download performance notes from Pepper, please visit www.lorenz.com and search for 65/2052L. 65/2052&53L-2