Greetings Redeemer family!

I look forward to this special weekend every year. This week is our annual Lessons and Carols service at Redeemer. For those unfamiliar with this service, I’m sure you’ll notice the difference pretty quickly. Instead of our typical Sunday liturgy, this service features a unique interplay between Scripture and song. The entire morning is spent alternating between a reading from the Word about the birth of Christ and singing a carol that relates very closely to the reading.

One of the things I appreciate most about this service is that it is an antidote to our culture’s tendency to plow through common carols. So often we can sing “O come, let us adore Him,” or “Joy to the world,” and think very little about the words of the songs. This service’s format allows for greater reflection on the texts. By walking sequentially through Scripture, the Lessons and Carols service gives us the opportunity to enter into the story of Christ’s coming in a compelling and interactive manner. Each reading is paired with a musical response. The texts move from prophecies and promises of a Messiah to the glorious miracle of Christ’s birth. Likewise, the music moves from sounds of longing and anticipation to joyful celebration.

The traditional opening hymn for Lessons and Carols is a wonderful example of this narrative involvement. “Once in Royal David’s City” tells the story of Jesus’ coming in verse over a beautiful melody. It is also likely to be the least familiar of the carols that we will sing this week. To help you prepare for Sunday, below is a link to a wonderful video recording of this hymn performed by St. Paul’s Cathedral

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSmztSZANAg

I’m also particularly excited for this Sunday because Laura Webb has helped to coordinate a string ensemble to help lead us in the hymns. The sound is stirring and reverent, and I can’t wait to experience this time of worship with you all.

My prayer for you, as we move towards Sunday, is that God will use this service to encourage you and remind you anew of the promises of our God made flesh in the person of Christ. The Word of our God is true. May you ponder anew His kindness, mercy, and power. May you know the miracle of Emmanuel: Our God is with us. May you dwell each day in the mystery of faith: that Christ came, He died, He rose, and He is coming again.

Grace and Peace of Christ be with you always,

Tim Sharpe

Worship Director