This Sunday, we enter the sacred season of Advent, a time of anticipation, reflection, and hope. Our theme this year, “Kindle the Light,” invites us to embrace the transformative power of Christ’s light as it breaks into our world. Each choral anthem I’ve selected for Advent reflects this theme, illuminating different aspects of God’s light in our lives and our call to carry it forward.
• Dec. 1. I Will Light Candles This Christmas encourages us to kindle light in our hearts and the world around us.
• Dec. 8. O Thou the Central Orb reflects on the eternal light of God that shines in our wintry world.
• Dec. 15. I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light calls us to live in the light of Christ.
• Dec. 22. Candlelight Carol invites us to gaze upon the Christ child, the Light of the World, born in Bethlehem.
One of the most profound reflections the choir will sing this season comes from Howard Thurman’s stirring words:
“I will light Candles this Christmas,
Candles of joy despite all sadness,
Candles of hope where despair keeps watch,
Candles of courage for fears ever present,
Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days,
Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens,
Candles of love to inspire all my living,
Candles that will burn all year long.”
As we sing and worship together in the coming weeks, may music inspire us to embody the light of Christ—not only during Advent but throughout the year. For when the candles are extinguished, and the decorations are put away, the real work of Christmas begins:
“To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among others,
To make music in the heart.”
Let us kindle the light together, sharing its warmth and radiance with the world.
In peace and hope,
Matt
Dr. Mathew Thompson, Director of Music and Media
