Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: http://read.jwpepper.com/i/202095
2 Foreword I love Holy Week in all its facets, from the excitement of Palm Sunday to the foreboding of Maundy Thursday, from the sorrow of Good Friday to the glory of Easter Day! Holy Week enables us to experience the drama of Christ's journey year after year. Unfortunately, this very repetition can also produce familiarity without engagement. I know this story… sometimes results in us going through the motions without really considering its impact upon our lives. nl y The purpose of In My Place is to take us right up to the cross and experience the crucifixion as if we ourselves had grabbed a hammer and driven one of the nails into His very body. Christ bore all the sins of humankind, including yours and mine. This reality transcends time and place. And so, it is my prayer that, through this music and Pamela Stewart's inspiring narrative, we can look into the dying Savior's eyes and be changed into His likeness. ew O —Craig Courtney Production Notes rP re vi This cantata makes use of the nail as a tactile and audible symbol of our sins for which Christ was crucified. As worshippers enter the sanctuary, hand each one a nail. The nail may either be attached to a card of explanation or print one in the order of worship as follows: You have been given a nail to hold in your hand during the service. As you hold it, remember that Christ died in your place, for the forgiveness of your personal sins. When you leave the sanctuary, please drop your nail in one of the containers provided at each exit. Fo It is suggested that a large wooden cross be placed at the front of the auditorium and metal containers (such as buckets) at the exits. Metal containers create a more dramatic sound (thereby reinforcing the symbol) as exiting worshippers drop their nails into them. There are a total of six narrators, one to read the Scripture and five to read the narratives of individuals who had some role in the crucifixion. Each person playing a role will carry a nail and, after speaking, may either drop it in a container at the foot of the cross (similar to those located at the exits) or, if preferred, hammer it into the cross. If the latter option is selected, make certain that the cross is extremely stable and will not give way under the force of the hammer. 55/1166&68L-2