Sunday Recap – 12/13/09

This morning’s service was great, and full of that holiday cheer. We saw a few new faces, which is always great. Pastor Derek examined the first ever Christmas carol, the Magnificat of Mary, and we came to the conclusion that the Gospel is this: just like Mary, we are called blessed because He has done great things for us. We are to then, in response, focus our lives to Him in order to magnify His name and works to all the world. Here’s the setlist crafted to gear us towards this end:

• All My Tears (Emmylou Harris) - This song was mainly used for an introduction, and as an overview of the general sermon’s point, that our worth should only be ascribed to Jesus.
• Rise and Fall (Daniel Renstrom) – Yet again, we sang this great song, an amazing anthem written by Raleigh worship leader, Daniel Renstrom. As I said last week, this song is the theme song for the series, focusing on the revolutionary aspects of Jesus’ birth; that He was a King born as a baby boy.
• Joy to the World (Isaac Watts) – The classic hymn with a new tune given by the Harmony band. This song led us to acknowledge that the King’s first coming was for all the people, and He brought with Him many blessings [some of which we examined in the Magnificat (Luke 1:51-56)]
• Hark, the Herald Angels Sing (Charles Wesley) - A wonderful advent song that led us to think about the worship of Jesus happening around the world, and even in other realms. The theme of the series is that Christmas is not about the birth of Jesus, but the coming of the King. This song is an entrance tune of sorts for Him.
• Mystery (Charlie Hall) – Not a Christmas carol, but rather a song to lead us to the ultimate end of Christmas: Easter. This song was our communion song today.