Cantata

It was rather a disappointment, not waking to a foot of snow and climbing as the dire predictions promised. Sleet and freezing rain on top of three inches was still a formidable deterrent. Pastor Sherri debated whether to cancel services or leave it up to attendees to decide. In the end, she didn't cancel, and I arrived at the sparsely populated parking lot, wondering whether I would have enough singers to present the cantata in good form.



We had practiced with the accompaniment CD during dress rehearsal, enough for me to know that if our pianist (who lives on the east side of the city) didn't make it, we would struggle through with my unpracticed plunking. The choir was worried there would be more in the choir loft than in the pews, and for awhile it looked that way.



But we gave an extra few minutes before beginning, and had a fair turnout. The choir did a wonderful job in spite of the smaller-than-usual house, singing their hearts to the Lord, and for the most part remembering all the myriad nuances of phrase and dynamics. I always wonder that we emphasize so much the need for Christ when it seems to me people who consistently attend church should know that. Not that it hurts to be reminded, but we know the story. Our children know the story. We do not often convince anyone who doesn't know the story to come to church.



So aren't we "preaching to the choir"? Maybe. But the Holy Spirit knows what each person is in need of, and I have seen someone suddenly understand a verse they have heard for years and just not gotten before. God knows when they are ready and when they need to be reminded anew of His promises. So we sing them with all the passion we are capable of, and let the Lord quicken the Word. In this day and age, we need all the light we can get, all the connection with God we can muster.



I like to think that God is pleased when He leans down from heaven and hears thousands of choirs singing the story, remembering His gift, still unwrapping it, still appreciating Him. It is perhaps a small precursor to the heavenly choir of which I shall someday be a member. Gloria!