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Tuesday Morning Epistles
Welcome to Tuesday Morning—a great read on any day
of the week, and especially during Advent.
Exactly one year ago this week I wrote a Tuesday Morning
piece entitled "Mary's Song." As I prepared to write
today's epistle to you, the thought occurred to me that it
is time to sing again. So I combined some thoughts about
Mary's song and blended them with thoughts I had this past
week surrounding Psalm 9. Although the 9th Psalm is not
directly tied to prophecies about the Messiah's birth, there
is an indirect connection. You will note that as you read
today's musings. It is entitled, "Advent: A Time to Sing
Again." Read on whenever you are ready to sing. It is time.
The gospel accounts attributed to Matthew and Luke tell the
story of the events leading up to the birth of Jesus. Luke's
gospel gives insights into the life of Mary and the
revelation to her that she had been chosen to give birth to
the Savior of the world. Beginning with verse 39 of Luke
1 is the story of Mary's visit to Elizabeth at Zechariah's
home in the hill country of Judea. Elizabeth was pregnant,
and when Mary greeted her cousin as she entered her home,
"the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with
the Holy Spirit" (1:41). In response to all of this, Mary
broke out in a spontaneous song of praise (verse 46-55).
What does Mary's Song tell us?
Mary's Song tells of a God who keeps his promises.
Mary's Song tells us of a God who lifts up the
humble.
Mary's Song tells of a God who brings down proud
rulers.
Mary's Song tells of the mercy God extends
to those who fear him.
Now, join me in singing!
Tom Barnard
A Senior Encourager
_______________________________________________________________________ Advent - A Time to Sing Again Tom Barnard 12.5.10
dvent is a time to celebrate the birth of Christ. The narratives of both Matthew and Luke teach that Advent is also a time to sing. As a Christian community of faith we do this every year, and it is both timely and good. Who can deny the beauty and majesty of Christmas hymns and songs? This month we will sing, and we will listen as others sing about the Glory of Christmas.
With all that is wrong in our world, there is powerful news—good news. Messiah has come. And it is time to sing His praises. So choirs will sing and orchestras will play, and pianos and pipe organs and hand-bells will join together in lifting our spirits high. It is indeed time to sing again!
During Advent I enjoy reading some of the psalms that David wrote hundreds of years before Jesus was born. He had insights that help make more meaningful the birth narratives in the Gospels. While Psalm 9 is not considered a “messianic psalm,” it speaks of praising and telling and rejoicing and singing—all Advent themes. Notice how David begins the 9th Psalm, written hundreds of years before Jesus was born:
“I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.”
Just reading those words causes my heart to leap forward into praise and adoration, even when certain situations surrounding our nation and world may not be all that great right now. From our concerns and anxieties and fears we hear David saying for us what we have difficulty saying for ourselves. David’s message to the people in Psalm 9 was not a call to arms. It was a call to sing! Notice verse 11:
“Sing praises to the Lord,
enthroned in
For David, the future was here and now, not there and then. In verse 10 are these words: “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” In other words, David was saying, “My survival depends upon you.”
In Luke 1:46-48 the Gospel writer tells of a song sung by Mary—a humble child with no formal education and no special writing skills. Her song paints word pictures to delight the most gifted poet:
“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble nature of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him….”
During Advent I also like to turn to the hymns of Charles Wesley. Here is one worth singing again:
Praise the Lord who reigns above And keeps His court below; Praise the holy God of love And all His greatness show. Praise Him for His noble deeds; Praise Him for His matchless power; Him from whom all good proceeds, Let earth and heav’n adore.
Him, in whom they move and live, Let every creature sing. Glory to the Maker give, and homage to their King. Hallowed be His name beneath, As in heav’n on earth adored. Praise the Lord in every breath; Let all things praise the Lord.
It is Advent. It is time to praise…to tell…to rejoice…and to sing. Join me now, from the top… |