Last Sunday a 90-year tradition continued at Reynolds Auditorium with the annual presentation of Handel’s oratorio Messiah. It has been my privilege to serve as chorusmaster for this devoted community chorus for 25 years and First Baptist has a rich history of serving as the host church for much of those 90 years. During the performance I was once again reminded of the good news of this oratorio that traces through scripture the entire life of Christ from the prophecy of his birth through his ascension and eternal reign. I think you might agree with me that there is a shortage of good news in our world today and that Handel’s Messiah serves as a generous dose of good news.
This Sunday we will continue another tradition with roots dating back to 1918 in Cambridge, England. A Service of Lessons and Carols was created to offer hope and healing to a culture devastated by World War I, and it continues to offer a hopeful word for our day and time. And it is a joyful story for a joy-starved culture. Beginning with the fall of humankind in the garden of Eden, we will trace God’s promises through the prophets to the fulfillment of those promises in the birth of Jesus, bringing hope, peace, joy, and love to this world. The carols change from year to year and church to church, but the story told through scripture remains the same. Our Sanctuary Choir will be joined by fine musicians from our community to tell this story again. Join us on this third Sunday of Advent, the Sunday of Joy!
Pastor David