Unwrapping Advent: Through Voices of Wisdom Dec. 5
Thursday, December 5, 2024
Day 5
7Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;
make melody to our God on the lyre.
8 He covers the heavens with clouds,
prepares rain for the earth,
makes grass grow on the hills.
9 He gives to the animals their food
and to the young ravens when they cry.
10 His delight is not in the strength of the horse
nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner,
11 but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him,
in those who hope in his steadfast love.
Psalm 147:7-11 NRSVUE
Hope in His Steadfast Love
Despite having played for church services in various capacities for a number of years, there are still times I get nervous about performing a given piece for any litany of reasons. While in the moment it can be tricky to get out of the individualistic focus that tends to cause such trepidation, I have found that reminding myself often (even outside the worship setting) of the part I play in a larger whole makes those anxious instances less likely.
However God brought it about, the world around us is an intricate web of interconnections. As both being part of that web and being made in God’s image, our creative endeavors – whether explicitly sacred or not – serve to reflect and continue that essential act of Creation.
From my perspective as a performing musician, as meaningful as solitary musical experiences can be, it is making music together with and for others that enriches us more. Though just as God’s delight is not in strength, nor God’s pleasure in speed, so, too, must I remember that God values the offerings from the most musically gifted to the least. In praising God together, all are welcome.
Similar to how we sometimes find in nature images of God’s desire for harmony, our fleeting acts of communal creation (wherever in that process we occupy, e.g., as listener or performer) serve as glimpses of that future point in which all things are reconciled to God.
Reflect: How can we be good stewards of the earth to allow the world around us to remain in harmony? In what ways can we find glimpses of the divine in whatever art we create or participate in?
Pray: Creator God, Your world around me is full of beauty if I know where to look. Help me see in others and myself instances of that beauty, and may I never fear to join others in praising and thanking You for the part You allow us to play in Your Creation.
Eric Breon
Pianist