I have challenged myself to study a different scripture each day during Carols Week that explains the text of one of the songs in The Hope of Christmas. (Sanctuary Choir members – as you prepare for this week, I challenge you to do the same.) It is so important that we internalize what we are sharing through music and drama.
I started with what I already know will be my favorite song – New Jerusalem. Catherine Carter Sledge is the soloist (and Choir President) and sang this during worship on December 1. During Carols, this is toward the end of the concert but oh how it ties everything we are sharing together.
I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. (Revelation 21:2, 27 NIV)
Honestly – these verses just scratch the surface. Read the entire chapter. Verse 4 is one of my all time favorites and reminds us that in heaven the tears are gone – no need for them ever again. Think about it.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (Revelation 21:4 NIV)
God goes to great lengths to describe the Holy City – this New Jerusalem. Elaborate is a gross understatement. Most importantly, He addresses how pure it is. And He seals it with the reminder that to live there, your name must be found in the “Lamb’s book of life.”
God provided that Lamb. Do you know Him? Have you found The Hope of Christmas?
Cille Litchfield 