23 December 2006

On the eve before Christmas eve . . .

Just a couple of thoughts about the season . . .

Many are adept at making much to do about the "reason for the season." So much of the ballyhoo comes from the integration of politics into Christianity. My concerns are somewhat deeper than all of that . . .

And they follow, somewhat, the themes for my two sermons tomorrow. That's right - I am preaching twice tomorrow!! What a concept. Regular morning worship, and our traditional Christmas Eve. service. I hope faithful Christians will attend evening services, even though they've "already been to church" that day . . .

The two themes - A.M. worship takes off on the Micah text - "little Bethlehem", and the gospel - the "smallness of the child" within Mary - to contemplate the smallness of the good news within all of us. Nothing grandious - Christ comes into our hearts in small ways. The title is "from one of the little clans," and I will have something of a special word for my church regarding God's choice of us to bear the "good news."

P.M. worship - takes off on the scriptural statement - first given by Isaiah, and later restated by the shepherds - "for unto us . . ." The gospel is for us. I don't think we really stop to contemplate that truth sometimes. It is "for us." Plenty to ponder there, me thinks.


I wish you a wonderful Christmas celebration - with family, friends, fellow worshippers.

03 December 2006

Messiah

If you live in Oklahoma, and are wondering what to do with your evening tonight, you could do worse than making the drive to Enid to listen to the Enid Symphony Orchestra and Chorus presentation of Handel's Messiah. Last night was the first performance, and the final performance will be this evening at 7:00, Symphony Hall.

The Messiah is a rather long piece, but at Christmas, most groups who perform this wonderful work do mainly the Christmas portion - the first part of the piece, and then add a couple of scenes from the end, including the Hallelujah Chorus. That's the way it's being performed in this setting.

The soloists are rather good, and the chorus ain't bad, either. Tickets are $15, and I'm sure there are still seats available.