Christmas Vespers 2012

Every year, one of the Christmas traditions I look forward to the most is the interfellowship Christmas Vespers service.  This year, I was able to go because our dear friend Andrew came over to watch the kids while they slept.  He's about to become a first-time father in just a few short weeks, so it was good practice for him!  (And it helps that the service starts at 9pm -- the crazy-late college student schedule meant that both the kids were put in bed before I had to leave!)

This year's service was as beautiful and moving as ever.  It's such a blessing to be able to take a moment in the midst of the busyness of the Christmas season to just sit back, meditate on Scripture, and listen to and sing beautiful music.  The richness and beauty of Christmas tradition becomes once more solidly grounded in the promises of Scripture, and I come away feeling refreshed.

And I just love the music chosen for this service!  I usually have the carols and special music stuck in my head for weeks after Vespers.  :)

Joy has dawned upon the world
Promised from creation
God's salvation now unfurled
Hope for every nation
Not with fanfares from above
Not with scenes of glory
But a humble gift of love
Jesus born of Mary

Sounds of wonder fill the sky
With the songs of angels
As the mighty Prince of Life
Shelters in a stable
Hands that set each star in place
Shaped the earth in darkness
Cling now to a mother's breast
Vulnerable and helpless

Shepherds bow before the Lamb
Gazing at the glory
Gifts of men from distant lands
Prophesy the story
Gold -- a King is born today
Incense -- God is with us
Myrrh -- His death will make a way
And by His blood He'll win us

Interfellowship Friday, fall 2011

At the end of October, we had an Interfellowship Friday large group meeting -- it's fast becoming an every-semester tradition, which is awesome to see!  The speaker this fall was R. York Moore, a National Evangelist for Intervarsity, and someone deeply involved in the work of the International Justice Mission, an organization dedicated to freeing modern-day slaves and using the rule of law to end human trafficking.  York gave an inspiring message on justice and the role that we as Christians are all called to play in doing God's work.  It was a message that I particularly needed to hear, and one that I'm still working through, so I was very thankful that I got to attend this session.

It's also always encouraging to see the different Christian groups gather together to worship.  "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!"