Advent 2011 Daily Devotion 19
Acclaim Yahweh with joy,
all the earth!
Serve Yahweh with gladness!
Enter into God’s presence with a joyful song!
Psalm 100:1-2
The Psalms were originally written as songs and chants to be used in worship. There are many musical references in the Psalms. There is mention of singing. There is also mention of many instruments used in worship including the lyre, the harp of ten strings, tambourine, trumpet, lute, horn, strings, and pipe. It’s a veritable orchestra! There is singing and playing all in joyous praise to God.
As the human species, we are blessed with many musical ways to express joy. We are not limited to vocal sounds alone. We are not limited to words. We also have the ingenuity to create instruments and melodies and harmonies. We have many ways to express joy musically. We experience this each week in worship through the ministry of beautiful music. Music expresses what words alone cannot. What a blessing!
Last evening at church, a group of us listened to recorded music selected by Music Director Hilton Jones, that he feels conveys joy. I must say, I felt more joyful when it was over than when I had arrived. Listening to the music did increase my feeling of joy. Maybe that is why we are surrounded by Christmas carols this time of year. They elicit joy. There are also many concerts this month featuring holiday music. Again, these are moments for us to experience joy.
If you want to feel the joy of the season, try attending a concert featuring Christmas music. Or put a Christmas cd on to play. Sing a Christmas carol in the shower. See how you feel. Does the music make a difference?
And if Christmas music doesn’t move you, try another kind of music that you like and enjoy. Think about what music says JOY for you. Think of some of your favorites – contemporary hits or music of yesteryear. A beautiful concerto or symphony. Some rock or folk. Hip hop or jazz. Rap, anyone? Try adding some music to your day and see if you don’t feel the joy!
Prayer
We are grateful for the gift of music and the way it enriches our lives. We are especially thankful for the music of the church and how it stirs the spirit and soothes the soul. May we experience the joy this season through music. Amen.
The theme for this Advent season at Lakewood United Church of Christ is JOY to the World. Each day during the Advent season, a reflection on a scripture passage related to JOY will be posted. We hope these daily reflections help you to have a joy-filled Advent.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 