'Worship' Tagged Posts
Why ‘Showing Up’ Matters in Living Out Your Faith
As a long-time United Methodist pastor, whenever someone desires to unite with our church membership, I ask the historical questions that make up our membership vows. By doing so, we call Christian believers to an active faith rather than a passive one. When we vow to uphold the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and testimony/witness, we commit to “show up” in tangible ways for God and His people. This act of showing up demonstrates our dedication to building…
O Holy Night: A Shining Message of Hope
The Christmas hymn “O Holy Night” holds a heartfelt significance in the traditions of the Christian faith. Originally composed as a French poem, “Minuit, chrétiens” (Midnight, Christians), by Placide Cappeau in 1843, and set to music by opera composer Adolphe Adam, today “O Holy Night” remains a beacon of hope that breathes life into the waiting world. “The thrill of hope,” as communicated in this beautiful hymn, resonates deeply within the hearts of believers. This hope is synonymous with anticipating…
How Music Impacts Our Spiritual Journey
Music, in its beautiful and diverse forms, is a universal language that transcends cultures, resonating with the deepest part of our beings. For Christians, music holds a special place in worship and spiritual growth, reflecting the biblical tradition found in Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus: Be filled with the Holy Spirit, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs among yourselves, and make music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in…