What Do You Fear? When We're Running Out of Hope, God is at Work
December 7th marks the second Sunday of Advent, a season of hope, waiting, and divine interruption. Our Advent theme, “What do you fear?" reminds us that even in times of uncertainty or darkness, God’s light still dawns. Rev. Dr. Sam Parkes' sermon, "Do You See What I See?" will focus on the scriptures Isaiah 43:19-21 and Matthew 11:1-11.
Today’s music invites us to listen for God’s nearness through melodies shaped by faith across the centuries. Our prelude, Johannes Brahms’s setting of Es ist ein Ros entsprungen (“Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”), reflects Brahms’s lifelong love of early chorales. The hymn itself first appeared in the late 1500s, and its imagery of a rose blooming in winter symbolized Christ’s birth as light breaking into a cold and waiting world. Brahms’s gentle harmonies honor this ancient hope with warmth and reverence.
For the offertory, we are pleased to hear flutist and choir member Laura Tongring in B. Wayne Bisbee’s arrangement of Once Again My Heart Rejoices. The tune, written by Johann Crüger in the 17th century, comes from a period when Crüger sought to enrich congregational singing through sturdy, singable melodies. His collaboration with hymn writer Paul Gerhardt produced some of the most enduring Lutheran chorales, including this joyful one that urges the heart to leap at Christ’s coming.
We conclude our worship with Alfred Fedak’s arrangement of God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen. This carol is one of the oldest in the English tradition—sung by town watchmen as early as the 16th century to bring cheer during long December nights. Fedak’s lively setting captures that same spirit of good news boldly proclaimed. This setting opens with a single voice then the texture builds until it reaches a pedal solo with right-hand figuration in French toccata style.
Worship service will also include the hymns Looking Out a Prison Window (Tune: Once in Royal David's City), The Great Thanksgiving, The Lord's Prayer and Hymn of Promise.
Our Anthem, Do Not Be Afraid will be performed by the Chancel Choir, with soloists Kevin Gardner, Meg Gardner, Sam Williams and Jeff Harris.
May these musical offerings deepen your Advent journey and kindle hope as we prepare for Christ’s coming.
Come join us at 9:00 a.m. as we Worship Together. We hope something in this music and message uplifts and strengthens your spirit. You are always welcome here.
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