CHRISTMAS CANTATA 2024
Never had God's love for humanity been expressed so absolutely as when Jesus came to earth to redeem us and reunite us with God. Later in his life, he would become known as a teacher, a prophet, a healer, and to some, even the promised Messiah...he would eventually be known by many as God himself, in the flesh.
As incredible as these things are, the things Jesus would do and the reality of who he is, it's no less remarkable how his life began here. The story doesn't unfold the way we might have expected for a new king and messiah. Instead of being born of a king and queen, God chose a humble, modest woman and her new husband. Instead of being born in a palace with scores of midwives and physicians attending, God chose a stable with the company of the animals surrounding. Instead of calling only the most influential and powerful to celebrate the birth, God chose to invite lowly shepherds. It seems that at nearly every turn in the story, humility is a recurring concept. The greatest example of these surely must be God humbling himself to become a child in the first place, having "emptied himself, taking on the nature of a servant" (Philippians 2:13). It's from this place of humility and humble posture that God will deliver on his greatest act of love for us.
This cantata celebrates that act of love while also helping us to refocus on what is most important about the Christmas season - the hope we have in Jesus Christ that we might be reconciled to God and live with him forever. The birth of Jesus changed the world, without a doubt, but it is also continuing to change people's hearts to this day. Jesus truly is "God with us" (Isaiah 7:14) then and now and forevermore.
- Tim VanNasdale, Music Ministry Director
Join us for This is Christmas, featuring the Hickory Chancel Choir, guest musicians and live narrators during the 10:00 am Sunday Service on December 15.
As incredible as these things are, the things Jesus would do and the reality of who he is, it's no less remarkable how his life began here. The story doesn't unfold the way we might have expected for a new king and messiah. Instead of being born of a king and queen, God chose a humble, modest woman and her new husband. Instead of being born in a palace with scores of midwives and physicians attending, God chose a stable with the company of the animals surrounding. Instead of calling only the most influential and powerful to celebrate the birth, God chose to invite lowly shepherds. It seems that at nearly every turn in the story, humility is a recurring concept. The greatest example of these surely must be God humbling himself to become a child in the first place, having "emptied himself, taking on the nature of a servant" (Philippians 2:13). It's from this place of humility and humble posture that God will deliver on his greatest act of love for us.
This cantata celebrates that act of love while also helping us to refocus on what is most important about the Christmas season - the hope we have in Jesus Christ that we might be reconciled to God and live with him forever. The birth of Jesus changed the world, without a doubt, but it is also continuing to change people's hearts to this day. Jesus truly is "God with us" (Isaiah 7:14) then and now and forevermore.
- Tim VanNasdale, Music Ministry Director
Join us for This is Christmas, featuring the Hickory Chancel Choir, guest musicians and live narrators during the 10:00 am Sunday Service on December 15.
let's get musical.
PRAISE BAND
The Praise Band Team leads Contemporary music during Sunday Services. Rehearsals take place on Wednesday evenings from 7-9 pm, warm up on Sundays at 8:00 am inside the Sanctuary. Weekly rehearsals cover the songs for the upcoming Sunday service. We welcome new members to audition their ability in vocal performance, drums, bass, guitar, or additional instrumentation.
The Praise Band Team leads Contemporary music during Sunday Services. Rehearsals take place on Wednesday evenings from 7-9 pm, warm up on Sundays at 8:00 am inside the Sanctuary. Weekly rehearsals cover the songs for the upcoming Sunday service. We welcome new members to audition their ability in vocal performance, drums, bass, guitar, or additional instrumentation.
HANDBELL RINGERS
The Handbell Team rings handbell musical pieces at select services throughout the year. Handbells practice meets regularly on Thursday evenings from 6:00-7:00 pm in the Sanctuary. No experience necessary to ring!
The Handbell Team rings handbell musical pieces at select services throughout the year. Handbells practice meets regularly on Thursday evenings from 6:00-7:00 pm in the Sanctuary. No experience necessary to ring!
SANCTUARY CHOIR
Our Choir sings a wide variety of anthems. Rehearsals are in the Choir Room (on the second floor) on Thursday evenings from 7-8:30 pm. We warm up on Sundays at 9:30 am in the Choir room. No audition is necessary. Weekly rehearsals cover anthems for at least six weeks, so weekly attendance is encouraged. Anyone who loves to sing is invited, whether you attend the early or late service. Early service folks are welcome to rehearse, warm up and sing with us.
Our Choir sings a wide variety of anthems. Rehearsals are in the Choir Room (on the second floor) on Thursday evenings from 7-8:30 pm. We warm up on Sundays at 9:30 am in the Choir room. No audition is necessary. Weekly rehearsals cover anthems for at least six weeks, so weekly attendance is encouraged. Anyone who loves to sing is invited, whether you attend the early or late service. Early service folks are welcome to rehearse, warm up and sing with us.