I confess I’m writing this in June. What do you expect from somebody as compulsive as I am? How can I get in the Christmas frame of mind when it’s almost 90° out?  Easy. This very moment the Thomanerchor of Leipzig (the choir J. S. Bach once directed) is singing a live performance of the first three cantatas of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. They usually sing this at Christmas, but the pandemic put a stop to that. So, they ended they ended the school year with a performance.

It’s been fifty years since I sang the same cantatas. The first chorus is an explosion of drums and trumpets that leads to the chorus singing in unison, “Christians be joyful and praise your salvation.” The third cantata has a stunning opening as well:

    Hear, King of Angels, though falter our voices.
    O! When Thy Zion before Thee rejoices.
    Let her endeavor be pleasing to Thee!

It’s so much fun that the chorus is repeated at the end of the cantata.

Bach had an amazing sense of form, so the big, joyous pieces are interspersed with singing of scripture, hymns, and solos. My favorite are two alto arias. One is a lullaby to the baby Jesus, “Slumber, beloved, and take thy repose.” The other is a reflective aria, “Keep, O my spirit, this blessing and wonder, Close within thyself contained.”

I believe that the Word of God can be impressed on the heart through music. In these joyous days, take time to let your heart be moved by music of the season.

Maranatha!

Read Luke 2:14 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne