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Christmas Is For Those Who Hate It Most

on December 22, 2011 in Quote

We have it sunk deep into our collective cultural consciousness that Christmas is for the happy people...But this is backwards. Christmas—the great story of the incarnation of the Rescuer—is for everyone, especially those who need a rescue. Jesus was born as a baby to know the pain and sympathize with our weaknesses. Jesus was made to be like us so that in his resurrection we can be made like him; free from the fear of death and the pain of loss. Christmas is really about the gospel of grace for sinners. Because of all that Christ has done on the cross, the manger becomes the most hopeful place in a universe darkened with hopelessness. In the irony of all ironies, Christmas is for those who will find it the hardest to enjoy. It really is for those who hate it most.
Matt Redman

I stumbled across this article last year and even included an excerpt in that year’s Christmas music program. It makes a great point and certainly takes on a new meaning this year. Wishing everyone a joyful and safe Christmas.

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Quote

Supporting and Encouraging

on September 5, 2011 in Quote

I'm so thankful that I had a little church growing up where I did in Texas. They just let me get up there and play, even when I didn't know what I was doing. But they always encouraged me. And I'm sure it was kind of hard on the ears for a lot of people. But that is leadership. Making a place for people to fall on their face. But learning how to get up as well.
Chris Tomlin

This quote is from an article in the January/February 2011 edition of Worship Leader Magazine. It provides an interesting insight into the background of Chris Tomlin (who as of writing is mentioned no less than 7 times on CCLI’s latest Top 25 List). He wouldn’t be where he is, and the Church would be without some really wonderful music had it not been for that encouragement he received as an aspiring musician. Granted, he is the exception, but we must provide an environment for young musicians to grow in musical ability and faith despite however much we/they might stumble along the way. As Harold Best writes in “Music Through the Eyes of Faith“, excellence is a “process, not an event” (p 114). And more on that in a future post.

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