PREACHER’S NOTE 10 DECEMBER 2023
Unexpected Awe
For our Christmas Cantata at Westview Methodist in Centurion,
Pretoria, as many as possible were roped in, had a
few practices, stood self-consciously on the stage dressed
in approximately similar gowns, and gave an enthusiastic,
but slightly rough-edged rendition of Christmas favourites.
But, it was joyous, and celebrated with plenty of cake
and tea afterwards.
Nathan, a son of friends of ours, stood up to start O Holy
Night, a beautiful but challenging song. He was an ordinary
boy, from a struggling family, who often depended
on church generosity to get by. A beautiful tenor note
stilled us all, starting slow as the song does – “O Holy Night,
the stars are brightly shining”. It swelled as he sang of the
thrill of hope that the weary world felt at our dear Saviour’s
birth. By the time he got to “fall on your knees, O
hear the angel voices”, we all had tears in our eyes. And
as he effortlessly soared through the famously difficult
ranges of “O Night Divine”, we were in awe. Where did
that come from?
It’s still the most beautiful rendition of my favourite Christmas
song. Every year I trawl Youtube for Mariah Carey’s,
Josh Grobin’s, even Celine Dion’s versions, and none
compares to that ordinary boy in a Christmas Cantata.
Awe and amazement often creep up on us, as our Lord
touches our hearts in a song, a sunrise, a look of love. We
again glimpse His face, His heart, through the beauty of
His world, even in among the difficulties, and often in unexpected
places.
May you, as this year draws to its
end, find awe again. Take some
time, make some space, because
you won’t find it in busyness,
deadlines or stress. May you
glimpse, once more, in unexpected
places, the beauty of His
face and the wonder of His work in
the world.
Blessings, Andrew.