Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: http://read.jwpepper.com/i/141394
FOREWORD It must have been an amazing sound—the praise of angels resounding over the hillsides outside Bethlehem, catching the ear of a few shepherds. Mary certainly was captivated by angelic proclamation as she received news that she would give birth to Jesus, the Savior of all men. Joseph was also astonished to hear an angel impart such a miraculous message that his betrothed, a virgin, would bring forth a Son. LE In each of these moments, the veil between heaven and earth was peeled back, and a few of God's chosen people heard the sound of eternity. As you sing these songs and celebrate this year, my prayer is that your heart will catch the melody of heaven and stir your soul to rejoice as never before! God's Word tells us that He inhabits—lives, moves, breathes—in our praise. As we sing and celebrate, His very presence takes up residence in our worship and transforms lives. Moreover, all of creation is lifting a majestic song before the throne of God, and the very rocks will cry out if we cease to praise Him. M P So, let heaven and nature sing, indeed! May the resounding songs of angels in the skies over Bethlehem transcend the bounds of time and call us all to worship as we share in God's great story of redemption. Let the good news ring out across the land that Jesus Christ, Messiah, Savior, King of kings and Lord of lords, has come to bring light and life to a darkened world. S A "Hallelujah! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the heights. Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His hosts. Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you shining stars. Praise Him, highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens. Let them praise the name of Yahweh, for He commanded, and they were created. He set them in position forever and ever; He gave an order that will never pass away. Praise the Lord from the earth, all sea monsters and ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and cloud, powerful wind that executes His command, mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, creatures that crawl and flying birds, kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all judges of the earth, young men as well as young women, old and young together. Let them praise the name of Yahweh, for His name alone is exalted. His majesty covers heaven and earth" (Psalm 148:1-13). Craig Adams BreathofHeaven_CHBK.indd 5 3/15/13 3:42 PM