Jamie Brown

Say No to Syrup

It can be tempting, this time of year, to sing songs in our church services that are well-beloved and widely-known but many of which lack any Gospel-truth. We’ve grown up with them, heard them every Christmas, shopped for presents with them in the background, and sung them countless times. It’s not that they’re evil – they’re just fluffy. They’re nice and comfortable and sweet (i.e. syrupy), make an innocuous reference to a baby once in a while, have a catchy melody, and don’t bother anyone. They can be sung in church or used as background music to a commercial about a Ford Taurus.

There’s nothing wrong with syrup… on pancakes. There is a problem with syrup in church. It tastes sweet and it makes people feel happy, but it has no nutritional value. Half an hour after the service is over they’re hungry again. You’ve missed your chance to feed them eternal truth and you can’t get it back. Oh the deceptive allure of syrup.

Here are some questions to ask yourself when choosing songs for your Christmas services to help you discern whether you’re feeding your congregation syrup or not:

Is Jesus presented as the glorious Savior or as a cuddly little baby?
Yes, he was wrapped “in swaddling cloths” (Luke 2:7), but “the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from this time forth and evermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this” (Isaiah 9:6-7). Yes, he was laid “in a manger” (Luke 2:7), but he would one day bear “our griefs and (carry) our sorrows”, we would esteem “him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted”, he would be “wounded for our transgressions… crushed for our iniquities”, and upon him would be the “chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:4-5). The songs we sing at Christmas should celebrate the fact that “the word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14a) and that “we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14b).

Do I have to lower my theological standards in order to use this song?
“It’s really not that big of a deal to just sing this song once a year.” “Loosen up a little bit – it’s Christmas – we’re going to have a lot of visitors.” “It won’t hurt anybody.” “People just want to sing Christmas carols this time of year.” “We’ve sung that song at the end of our services for 25 years. Relax.”

It is a travesty whenever churches justify watering down the Gospel for any reason, and through any medium. Upholding biblical truth either matters supremely or it doesn’t matter at all. Singing bible-saturated and God-centered songs either matters at every single service or it doesn’t matter at all. Don’t take a vacation from safe-guarding the theology of your songs just because it’s Christmas. Encourage, explain, and defend intentional and careful song selection all year round.

Will this song present the Gospel to a potential non-believer who is visiting with his family?
Put yourself in the shoes of a 21-year-old college student who is being dragged to church by his Mom on Christmas Eve. Will he hear predictable, fluffy, Ford Taurus commercial background music – or will he hear the good news of the Gospel?

Songs teach. Syrup leaves you hungry.

Does the song reference there being snow on the ground?
There isn’t a single biblical reference to there being snow on the ground when Jesus was born. There may have been, but there may not have been. It does seem highly unlikely that there would have been “shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night” (Luke 2:8) if it was snowing. The more likely scenario is that our image of snowy Bethlehem is more influenced by Charles Dickens than scripture. A song referencing snow might indicate a theological sloppiness and blurriness.

Does it “beat around the ‘gospel bush’”?
Bob Kauflin just posted on his blog some suggestions for new Christmas songs. This quote struck me: “From my experience, Christmas carols are a mixed bag. Some beat around the ‘gospel bush’ and hint at a universal brotherhood, while others clearly proclaim the good news that a Savior has been born to rescue rebellious sinners. I lean towards the second.”

Say no to syrup in your Christmas songs. Lean firmly towards the “good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10).

Losing Your Cool Isn’t Cool

You’re sitting in a window seat, reading the latest edition of Sky Mall, as your airplane leaves the gate and gets in line for take-off. After a few minutes you’re hurling down the runway at 180 miles per hour and beginning your climb to cruising altitude. You look out the window at the tiny cars for a few minutes before turning your attention back to the combination alarm-clock/onion-slicer that you’re debating ordering.

Then a strange rumbling/screeching noise catches your attention. It’s not a noise you’ve heard before. Maybe it’s nothing. But maybe it’s something. Is the plane about to fall apart into a thousand pieces? What is that noise? You begin to sweat. Profusely. Your life starts to flash in front of your eyes. You look around. None of the other passengers seem to be aware of the fact that their lives are about to end. Now you’re really concerned.

You look for a flight attendant. You can’t see up the aisle, so you turn around and look towards the back of the plane. You see both flight attendants… completely relaxed, reading novels, not sweating profusely, and definitely not strapping on parachutes. The noise goes away. The flight attendants, still relaxed, begin serving that delicious trail-mix.

You know you’re going to be OK when your flight attendants are relaxed. You know you might have a problem when they lose their cool. Flight attendants aren’t supposed to lose their cool.

It took me several years to realize that, to my worship team, I am the flight attendant.

Maybe you can relate to one of these worship leader nightmare scenarios:

The service is five minutes away from starting and none of your monitors are working. The sound engineer has no idea what the problem is but he continues to run back and forth from the sound board, unplug cables, turn different knobs, and look around confused.

You’re introducing a new song to your worship team at rehearsal and it keeps sounding really bad. The singers are singing it the wrong way, the acoustic guitarist doesn’t know half the chords, and the drummer is in a different universe than everyone else.

You have 10 minutes to run through 6 songs before the service starts. You could use an hour.

The computer is plugged into the projector.
The computer and projector both have power. The computer is displaying the PowerPoint slides. The projector is switched to “computer” as the input. The projector keeps projecting a blue screen. You restart both the computer and the projector. Still a blue screen. You try a different cable. You try a different input. You press a lot of buttons. Still a blue screen. The service was supposed to start three minutes ago.

Half an hour before the service is supposed to start, the power goes out. No sound system. No lyric projection. No lights. No air conditioning.

In these moments, the moments when you wish it was just a bad dream but it isn’t, you are the flight attendant. Your worship team has heard the rumbling/screeching noise, they’re starting to get worried, and they’re looking around for some reassurance that everything is going to be OK. If you lose your cool, it’s going to be a very bumpy ride for everyone. People won’t think clearly, they’ll overreact, and they may even start sweating profusely.

Without the help of the Holy Spirit, you won’t be able to keep your cool when you hit some turbulence. Galatians 5:22-23a says: “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” This is one reason why every worship leader, and every worship team member, needs to pray for the filling of the Holy Spirit every single time they get up to lead worship.

Worship leaders: your worship team is watching you, especially when things get a little bumpy. It’s incredibly important that you model a Holy Spirit-enabled “coolness”.

We might not have monitors. We might not sound polished. We might have to sing from memory or from 30 year-old songbooks lying in a closet. We might not have electricity. None of that matters. We’ll do what we can, in the power of the Spirit, all for the glory of God.

Two More Ideas for Songs During Advent

On Monday I suggested some Advent hymns, and on Tuesday some more contemporary Advent songs that you might find helpful to include in your services during this season of preparation for Jesus’ coming.

Here are a couple more resources/song ideas. Most of these probably work better as special pieces, not necessarily sung congregationally.

1. Andrew Peterson’s “Behold the Lamb of God”
In 2000, Andrew Peterson released “Behold the Lamb of God: The True Tall Tale of the Coming of Christ”, a CD that masterfully tells the story of salvation in twelve songs. The first five songs deal with themes such as the Passover (“Passover Us”), Israel’s longing for a King (“So Long Moses”), and their need for deliverance (“Deliver Us”). A fantastic instrumental version of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” comes right before “Matthew’s Begats”, the genealogy of Jesus Christ set to a bluegrass tune. It works. Really.

I can’t say enough good things about this album. It’s full of rich, biblical truth, and tells this familiar story in a fresh way. I only have one small quibble with a phrase he uses on the first song, “Gather Round Ye Children”, where he says Jesus “gave up his pride and came here to die like a man”. Andrew is trying to convey the amazing truth that Jesus became like us, stepped down from Heaven, and died on the cross in our place. But that phrase could be seen as implying that by giving up “his pride” Jesus was prideful, and the wording of Jesus coming to “die like a man” might be a bit confusing.

All in all, though, a fantastic CD and a good resource for some special songs to sing during Advent. And the rest of the year too.

– To listen to the CD and read the lyrics click here
– To purchase and/or download the newly re-mastered CD and a live recording, click here
– iTunes download

2. “How Long?” Stuart Townend
I have yet to come across a modern song that helps articulate our longing for Jesus to return as well as this song does.

Verse two says:

“Lord, we know your heart is broken by the evil that you see, and you’ve stayed your hand of judgment for your plan to set men free. But the land is still in darkness and we’ve fled from what is right. We have failed the silent children who will never see the light”.

The chorus says:

“How long before you drench the barren land? …before we see your righteous hand? …before your name is lifted high? …before the weeping turns to songs of joy?”

The last verse declares:

“I know a day is coming when the deaf will hear his voice, when the blind will see their Savior and the lame will leap for joy, when the widow finds a husband who will always love his bride, when the orphan finds a Father who will never leave her side.”

Then the last chorus:

“How long before your glory lights the skies? …before your radiance lifts our eyes? …before your fragrance fills the air? …before the earth resounds with songs of joy?”

It’s certainly biblical to sing songs of lament and longing to the Lord. Sometimes, though, it’s hard to find a good occasion to include these kinds of songs. Advent provides a good opportunity.

– Sheet music/lyrics
– iTunes download

What to Do with Advent – Pt. 2

Yesterday I mentioned that we’re in the midst of the season of Advent and suggested some ways worship leaders can make the four Sundays in this season feel Adventy. No, “Adventy” isn’t a word, but you know what I mean. Click here to see yesterday’s post. Basically, you don’t want to sing Christmas songs until Christmas.

There are many great traditional hymns that work well during this season. There are also a good number of more contemporary songs that are fitting. Here are some suggestions:

Some new (congregational) Advent songs
“Creation Sings the Father’s Song” Stuart Townend, Keith and Kristyn Getty. (iTunes download)
I wrote in detail about why I like this song so much a few months ago. You can see that post here. Basically, the song hits on the themes of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation in 3 verses and a chorus. Amazing. The third verse is great for Advent, talking about how “creation longs for His return…”

“Glorious” Paul Baloche and Brenton Brown. (iTunes download)
Off of Paul Baloche’s new CD of the same name, the last verse sings of how “the hope of his returning fills the universe”.

“Almighty” Paul Baloche and Brenton Brown. (iTunes download)
Again, off of the new CD “Glorious”, this song is full of imagery of Jesus’ return. Here’s verse three: “One day You will judge the nations, You’ll reward Your servants, both the great and small. On that day, those who rose against You will finally confess You as the Lord of all.”

“There is a Higher Throne” Keith and Kristyn Getty. (iTunes download)
A song full of the hope of heaven. Very easy to sing, a great and catchy chorus, and rich truth.

“From the Squalor of a Borrowed Stable” Stuart Townend. (iTunes download)
Great song. Verse 1: Jesus is born. Verse 2: Jesus lives among us, is tempted in every way as we are but does not sin. Verse 3: Jesus suffers death in our place on the cross, defeating death. Verse 4: Jesus reigns victoriously at his Father’s right hand, “interceding for His own beloved, till His Father calls to bring them home”. Wow.

“Glorious and Mighty” Joel Sczebel, Todd Twining and Bob Kauflin. (iTunes download)
Verse three says: “Majesty, we’ll sing with creation when You come again in the clouds. Every knee will bow down and worship the one true God”.

“Lord, We Wait” Stuart Townend, Keith and Kristyn Getty. (iTunes download)
This isn’t one of Townend/Getty’s most well-know songs, but I think it’s a fantastic song for Advent. It’s short, easy, and right on target for this season. Verse 1 says: “Lord, we wait for the day of your appearing. Lord, we wait for your coming in the clouds”. Verse 2: “In that day, death is swallowed up in victory. In that day, sin and death shall be no more”. The chorus declares: “with a shout the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised to life, and we will meet him in the air”. Great Advent song.

“There is a Redeemer” Melody Green (iTunes download)
This might be considered a “hymn” in some circles, but in other circles it’s still pretty new. Either way, it’s still a great song. It points us to Jesus “our Redeemer, name above all names”, reminds us that he was slain for sinners, that we “will see his face” when we “stand in glory”, and reminds us that God has given us “His Spirit till the work on earth is done”.

Remember: we aren’t waiting for Jesus to be born. We are waiting for him to return
Songs that express a longing for the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem might work well for Christmas pageants, but might be confusing in a congregational context. As we say in the communion liturgy in Anglican churches, “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again”. I’m looking for songs that help articulate a longing for the risen and victorious Jesus Christ to return. Sure, it would be easier (and more fun) to crank out “O Come All Ye Faithful” or “Joy to the World” the first Sunday of December. But we wait.

Come, Lord Jesus, come.

What to Do with Advent – Pt. 1

We’re now in the season of Advent, the liturgical season leading up to Christmas. The word Advent means, literally, “coming” – and this season helps us not only remember the expectation for the Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago but to prepare ourselves with expectation for Jesus’ coming again in glory.

If, like me, you lead worship at a church that observes this season in some way, you’re probably wondering what kind of songs work as Advent songs and what you’re supposed to do during this liturgical season. Here are some suggestions for ways you can help your congregation prepare for Jesus’ coming over these next few weeks.

Wait until Christmas to sing Christmas songs
Shopping malls put Christmas decorations up right after Halloween. Radio stations play Christmas music while Thanksgiving turkey is still on your plate. Why in the world would we wait so long to sing Christmas songs at church? Because the waiting makes a point. Making your congregation wait until Christmas to sing Christmas songs is a tangible way of fostering an atmosphere of anticipation and expectation. It might even unsettle some people. But through your intentional leadership, you can help people see that this is a season to prepare for Jesus’ coming. Go crazy on Christmas Eve, Christmas day, and the Sunday after Christmas. Hold your horses during Advent.

Sing Advent hymns
Some ideas:

“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” (iTunes download)
Probably the most well-known Advent hymn. It has 8 verses, some of which were meant to be sung on certain days of the week leading up to Christmas. I usually use verses 1, 4, 6, and 7. There are lots of different versions of the text of this hymn floating around. I use the text from the 1982 Episcopal hymnal, although I’m sure there are better texts out there.

“Come Thou Long Expected Jesus”
Sometimes I’ll give this hymn a driving 4/4 beat, and in between some of the verses I’ll use the refrain from Brenton Brown’s “All Who Are Thirsy” that says “come, Lord Jesus, come”. Here is a really rough recording (i.e. sound board mix – reduced quality for space reasons – with mistakes – never intended to be posted on the internet…) of us doing this at my church in 2006.

“Lo He Comes with Clouds Descending” (verses 1, 2, 3, 5) (iTunes download)
Not the most well-known hymn in the world, but one of my favorites. I prefer the tune Helmsley. Don’t rush it and sing it too fast. Let the words really sink in.

“Creator of the Stars of Night” (Alex Mejias’s version – iTunes download)
A simple, tender Advent hymn.

Other hymns that aren’t technically “Advent hymns” but that still have a theme of expectancy for Jesus’ return:

“How Great Thou Art” (lyrics) (iTunes download)
Verse three talks about “When Christ shall come…” Sadly, the version by Paul Balohce that I link to above omits this verse.

“Jesus Shall Reign” (iTunes download)
I like the additional/alternate lyrics courtesy of Robert Critchley. Chord chart.

“Come Thou Fount” (iTunes download)
The often-omitted fourth verses talks about “…that day when, freed from sinning, I shall see thy lovely face…” and says “come, my Lord, no longer tarry…” A great prayer for Advent. I like the additional/alternate lyrics courtesy of Bob Kauflin.

My friend, Alex Mejias, has just released a great CD of re-worked Advent hymns. Check it out at his website, http://www.highstreethymns.com. Or purchase it on iTunes here.

Tomorrow I’ll share some contemporary songs that work well during the season of Advent.