Preparatory Songs and the Lord's Supper

As a song leader I occasionally like to sing two songs to prepare the hearts of the congregation in their participation in the taking of the Lord’s Supper.

I start with “Silent Night, Holy Night” It is a song about the birth of Jesus Christ that is both mournful and hopeful.

The birth of Jesus was set in a scene that was humble and solitary… Just Jesus and his parents in a small corner of a small town.

Jesus’ birth was celebrated first by Shepherds and then by Wise men from the East accompanied by celebratory gifts. Even the stars in heaven witnessed his birth.

The events accompanying Jesus’ death were frightful and demonstrative… earth quakes, the buried dead coming to life, the sun’s illumination turned off and the tearing of the veil in the Temple that separated Israel from God.

His death scene was completely different from his birth scene. A quiet manger scene verses the scene of being raised on a cross on top of a hill for all of Jerusalem to see. Surrounded by those who hated and despised him.

The two common denominators of Jesus birth and death were his complete sin free innocence and the presence of his mother Mary.

I follow “Silent Night, Holy Night” with “Up from the Grave he Arose”

He lived like no other… born in humbleness and humility. Killed in agony and rage. Raised in triumph and glory.

I love the sentiments expressed in “Silent Night, Holy Night” and “Up from the Grave he Arose” and hopefully leading those two songs helps bring the participants closer to Jesus Christ so we can live like no others.