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Christmas Music

Christmas Music

by Don McAvoy on November 30, 2022

Advent is a time for hope and preparation and anticipation. For musicians, Advent and Christmas preparations have been ongoing since August and September and we are thrilled to share the Great, Good News in the coming weeks. On the weekend where we celebrate Joy (Dec. 10/11), our musicians will present a musical celebration called “The Gift.”

In 1872, Christina Rosetti wrote the text to the beloved carol, “In the Bleak Midwinter.” It didn’t appear in any hymnals until 1906, but once it did, it quickly became a favorite. The final stanza includes a challenge for those of us who follow the babe in the manger:

What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb.
If I were a wise man, I would do my part.
Yet, what I can, I give him: give him my heart.

My deacon’s heart is always looking for ways to connect the gifts of the church to the needs of our community. Bethany is a church with blessings upon blessings. What if we offered tangible gifts to the Christ Child during our services on the weekend where we celebrate the Joy of Music? Music and Missions make a great team – SO, let’s flood the Manger with new socks and new underwear (for kids); let’s overflow the Manger with personal items (toothpaste, soap, shampoo); let’s stock up a neighbor’s pantry with non-perishable food items.

There will be a time in each of our Dec. 10/11 services to have a parade of blessings – make sure you, each family member, and our guests have something to bring forward to place at the Manger during this special Music and Missions weekend as the Joy of giving overpowers the bleak midwinter that too many of our neighbors endure. Joy to the World! Let every heart prepare him room!

Pastor Don

Tags: community, mission, music, christmas, gift

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