Peace. In the solo, Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion in Handel’s Messiah, It’s probably my favorite line in the song. It’s not a florid passage or complicated in any way, the word Peace is sung on a whole note and pretty much calms down the whole song. The angel Gabriel tells Mary she is to bear a son and to rejoice! I’m imagining after the first impact of the news, Mary’s heart rate went up substantially. When I’m singing, I think of her need for peace at this point in the song because I need it as well. The angel tells her, “he shall speak peace unto the heathen.”
Jesus did speak peace and continues to in our hearts today. The Chancel Choir will take up this theme of peace with a poem by Fred Kaan. Put Peace into Each Other’s Hands.
Put peace into each other’s hands and like a treasure hold it;
Protect it like a candle flame; with tenderness, enfold it.
Put peace into each other’s hands with loving expectations;
Be gentle in your words and ways, in touch with God’s creation.
Put Christ into each other’s hands, he is love’s deepest measure;
In love, make peace, give peace a chance, and share it like a treasure.
Put peace into each other’s hands like bread we break for sharing;
Look people warmly in the eye, life was meant for caring.
Share hope and joy and gladly serve this world that we are part of,
And though we may not do great things, we can do small things with great love.
Put Christ into each other’s hands, he is love’s deepest measure;
In love, make peace, give peace a chance, and share it like a treasure.
-Fred Kaan, Joel Raney
Hymns for Sunday: 92 While We are Waiting, Come (the choir usually sings this for the preparation for prayer); 109 Blest Be the God of Israel (listen to the music during communion at the 10:30 service to get a preview - we need to learn this song of Zechariah – let’s stretch a little in the beginning of our liturgical year) Many Thanks to Suzanne Morrison and members of the Worship and Music Council for our sanctuary décor for the Advent season.
Don’t forget to come in person or livestream the Golden Isles Community Chorus’ presentation of Handel’s Messiah at 3:00 pm on Saturday, December 4th. Our community has come alive with many events that day, but you will not want to miss this inspiring and beautiful telling of the story of the birth of Jesus.
Love, Hope, Peace, and Gratitude,
Rhonda
