Dear friends and members of University UMC:
In the Christmas movie “Elf," Buddy the Elf, played by Will Ferrell, exclaims, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is to sing loudly for all to hear!” There is so much holiday music and if you’re like me, you’re already enjoying listening to it. And maybe even singing along as you drive around town! This Friday Note feels a bit self-indulgent as I share some of my favorite songs right now. If you feel like it and have the time, send me an email sharing with me one of your favorites. As I continue to read the beautiful UUMC Advent Devotional entries, it strikes me that many find comfort in music. Theologian Martin Luther said, “Music is the art of the prophets and the gifts of God.” And of course, the song “The Sound of Music” from the musical of the same name sings, “The hills are alive with the sound of music, with songs they have sung for a thousand years. The hills fill my heart with the sound of music. My heart wants to sing every song it hears.” Every Christmas season as a child my family would watch this movie. Perhaps, indeed, the best movies have the best soundtracks.
This weekend, we observe the 2nd Sunday in Advent with our annual Lessons and Carols service. I hope to see you at one (or both!) services at 11 am and 7 pm in the sanctuary. It’s always a beautiful service, grounding us in meaningful ways as we receive special music and sing together some favorite hymns from this time of year.
Below I’m sharing a few Christmas songs I'm enjoying right now. The first is “Gabriel’s Message” from Sting’s album “If On a Winter’s Night." We sang this song as a congregation during last week’s worship service. If you haven’t already discovered this album by Sting, I highly recommend it. I often have it playing in my office. Another song below is not religious but is one Clare and I enjoy singing in the car called “Merry Christmas” by Ed Sheeran and Elton John. The third song is by one of my favorite jazz vocalists Kurt Elling. It’s entitled “Star of Wonder/We Three Kings” and can be found on his Christmas Album “Kurt Elling Sings Christmas.” We often have this album on at home when cooking and baking around this time of year.
May joyful, beautiful music fill your hearts and homes this season! And as we observe a posture of waiting during Advent, I also leave with you a prayer written by Cole Arthur Riley. The prayer contains a poignant message about trusting God as we wait for justice, healing, and the liberation of all people.
What a joy to be your pastor!
Teresa
