As a pastor and as a musician, one of the things I miss in our new (and temporary) “normal” of worship in COVID-tide is the sound of our musical ensembles. Once, our worship was filled with their musical offerings of praise! One day, it will be again.
In the meantime, our music ensemble directors and members have been hard at work. They have found new and creative ways of rehearsing, and have embraced online platforms to share their gifts. Throughout the season of Lent, we will be sharing some of their musical offerings with you as part of our daily devotionals.
It’s my hope that these musical gifts will nourish your souls as they bring glory to God!
As we continue our journey through the season of Lent, today’s musical offering features our Celebration Ringers (directed by Frank Arbushites) and includes bell choir renditions of two beloved Lenten hymns.
The first selection is Isaac Watts’ well-known “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” In the original hymn, the first and final verses read:
When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.
Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small; love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.
(United Methodist Hymnal, #298)
Access the first recording by clicking here
The second selection is a bell choir rendition of the hymn “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded.” I find myself struck by the words of the closing verse:The second selection is a bell choir rendition of the hymn “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded.” I find myself struck by the words of the closing verse:
What language shall I borrow to thank thee, dearest friend,
for this thy dying sorrow, thy pity without end?
O make me thine forever; and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never outlive my love to thee.
In this wearying season of COVID-tide, may we never grow so weary that we “outlive” our love for Christ!
Access the second recording by clicking here
May these musical gifts make you ever more mindful (and more grateful!) for all that Christ has done for you.
And may you remember:
Our God is bigger than coronavirus.
Our vision is bigger than coronavirus, too.
We are people blessing people.
We are Wesley Church.
Want to know more?
- Learn about our church and its ministries: https://wesleychurch.com/
- Make a gift to support our mission: https://wesleychurch.com/giving-2/
- View our recent messages: https://wesleychurch.com/sermon-message-on-video/
- View previous devotionals: https://wesleychurch.com/pastor-candys-devotionals-2/
