One Voice, One Glorious Sound
Earlier this month, Tony and I, along with members of our family, went to the 12th annual choral celebration, “The Sacred Sounds of Christmas,” featuring Seattle Pacific University’s concert choir, wind symphony, symphony orchestra, and other fine musicians and readers. What a way to begin the Advent season!
The Benaroya Hall, in downtown Seattle, is a 2500 seat performance venue and it was filled to capacity. As we were seated, my eyes were immediately drawn to the simple but elegant decorations setting the atmosphere for this beautiful event. There were several Christmas trees with white, sparkling lights, and a huge wreath of greens with their lights. It was dramatic in its simplicity. The atmosphere of the season was filling the air.
As the lights went down, the members of the orchestra took their seats. Then the conductor walked on stage, taking his center stage position. Every orchestra member’s eye was focused on him in readiness for his first signal. There was a pause. He then lifted his baton, and pointed towards the wind instruments. With the first stroke of the conductor, every wind instrument played a single note simultaneously. They were obviously tuning their instruments so that the sound they would make for the glorious musical event of the evening would be beautifully coordinated and in tune with each other.
Next, the conductor repeated the same exercise with the stringed section. Again, as he raised his baton, the bows were lifted in place for the stringed instruments. As he signaled this section of the orchestra, the same single sound came forth. It wasn’t a random sound, it wasn’t a screeching sound, and there were no sounds that were off key. It was the same sound. Even this tuning exercise was beautiful.
As the orchestra finished the tuning exercise all the instruments became quiet. Once again, the conductor lifted the baton and as the orchestra began to play, the concert choir entered from the back of the auditorium, singing, “O come, O come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel.” The song goes on to say, “O come Desire of nations, bind in one the hearts of all mankind: Bid Thou our sad divisions cease, And be Thyself our King of Peace.”
Tears filled my eyes as I saw a glorious prophetic picture in my mind’s eye. I could see our conductor, the Holy Spirit, lifting His baton as it were, in our direction. Our eyes were upon Him as we waited in readiness. His purpose was to bring forth a single sound, so attuned that there’s not one instrument off key, but all beautifully blended together to make a glorious sound. Then, the sound of God’s people will sing out in unison, ”O come, O come, Desire of the nations and be Thyself our King of Peace.”
Whether the world knows it or not, that is the cry that must be heard in the nations of the world. The world must see the King of Peace arising in the earth…and the cry will arise in us first, to create the ultimate desire for Him to come.
May we be submitted to the tuning of the Holy Spirit in every way as we approach 2012.
Jane you have a way with words desc ribing the concert so vividly that i thought i was thereinperson!
Aglow has been following the direction of “the Great Conductor” and has become that sound and song…getting clearer and clearer as time goes on…we pray that we don’t miss a beat, but let “the sound” permeate this earth, as we move forward into the year 2012. You are a wonderful leader and many blessings to you, your family and the Aglow family around the earth!
What a wonderful event and even sweeter that it drew you to our beautiful savior. It’s so important during the Christmas season to remember that our Prince of Peace is no longer a babe! Luv to you Jane!
Jane…I had some additional thoughts when I read your beautiful blog.
Memories flooded my soul, as I remembered my own children playing in the Middle School Orchestra.
When we attended their concerts, the cacophony of sounds, filled the room. Playing together, keeping time and not blasting your instrument at an inordinate moment took a lot of effort.
What I do remember is that the families and friends always gave them a standing ovation.
Can’t you see our Lord doing the same? Knowing our hearts and our effort…there He is…all proud a He claps and even whistles in appreciation, a He know our hearts.
I want to remember, when I was new and yes “playing my heart out”…He was not judging me on the wrong notes I played, but He looked at my heart and knew that with maturity and practice, I would learn to play at a different level. (I also want to remember that for newer members of the Body of Christ, knowing that if they keep going, they will reach a higher level. I want to be, as the Lord does…a person who sees ahead and knows …”it is good”
The other thing I have observed with an orchestra is that most of the time, they are playing as a unit…and TOGETHER they are making the most wonderful sound. Yet, there are times when the conductor points to a certain section and they are highlighted (certain gifting) and then there are also times for solos. We know innately that these people have been singled out, a result of extraordinary talent (calling) and YET they are still part of the whole.
Aglow has, step by step, learned to play a certain melody. It has taken diligence and an eye on the future. It has taken practice and devotion. It has taken a goal and an ahead way of looking at the purpose of the effort.
May we present to the world…the pure sound of His Love. Among the discordant sounds around all of us, in the world, may they see that His voice is different. They once they have tasted good music, they will know that which they have been hearing is “off”…unpleasant…and even at times, a sound that makes them want to block their ears.
As music can reach into the vestiges of the heart and soul may the world see the difference…the quality and the exquisite melody that the Lord is singing all over the earth.
It is a song that heals and soothes. It is one in which we feel like dancing and loving on all those around us.
May we continue to be dedicated in our efforts to how the world…there is a better way….there is a better song…there is a better sound. And” may it be…a sweet sweet sound in their ears”
May you Jane, along with your family experience joy, peace and love, as the Lord envelops you in His love. May the song of your heart be heard far and wide. May it be a soft lullaby or an exuberant and declaring sound, as you watch your Conductor for His leading.
Oh Jane! What a wonderful picture. Fine tuning to the sound of Heaven! “May we [may I]be submitted to the tuning of the Holy Spirit in every way as we approach 2012.”
Yes and Amen what a beautiful word!
What a beautiful picture. Thank you Jane. May God bless you and yours this Christmas season and may He continue to conduct your life for all His purposes.
What a beautiful picture you have given us of the Lord. I felt it.
Thank you and Merry Christmas.
This is awesome. I love it. Thanks so much.
As I was reading Chuck Pierce’s book “Interpreting the Times”, I came across “O Come O Come Emmanuel” lyrics written out in his book. I had to stop and sing with them. Whether it’s Advent Season, or the Advent of His triumphant return, the song is powerful. What’s more beautiful is the image of our King Jesus as the Orchestra director, and His earth wide orchestra and choir which we are a part of. Sometimes our part doesn’t sound like anything musical when it’s played alone, but when it’s joined with the rest of the instruments, it would be missed if not there. Incredible analogy of WHO we are in Christ Jesus, we all have a part.
So grateful for you at this Kairos moment in Aglow. I am truly grateful thave a part of this incredible ministry. Looking forward to the New Year. Merry Christmas and Shalom Aglow International.
Jane,
Your blog is my heart through and through. I anxiously await for unison of voices calling to our Saviour and King. Come Lord Jesus, Come!
Beautiful! I can hear the sounds of the season! In the natural the spiritual! Wonderful blog, Jane. Merry Christmas to all!