Songs of the Season

The Angels' Song

December 24, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds

The Angels' Song

December 24, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds

A Long Awaited Song

December 22, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds

This week’s song of the season is often overlooked. It comes from Simeon and is found in Luke 2:25-35. Simeon was a faithful man, who was waiting for the Messiah. God revealed to him that he would live to see the Messiah’s appearance. Finally, Simeon did see him on the day of Jesus’ presentation, and from this encounter Simeon burst forth with praise and prophecy. Simeon story impresses me, because the way in which he was guided by the Holy Spirit. Scripture tells us that he was led to the temple on the day of Jesus’ presentation. Also, the Spirit led him to take the baby in his arms and make a prophetic announcement. Simeon makes me wonder about how the Spirit guides me. Over the next few days, our lives will likely be filled. For some that is an active calendar, for others it will be trying to get it all done, and others will be filled with strong emotions of grief or being overwhelmed. In the fullness of life, take the time to stop and be guided by God’s Spirit. Listen to where the Lord leads you. James 4:8 reminds us to draw near to God, and God will draw near to you. As we grow in our relationship with God, God will lead us. And in God’s leading, I believe that we will know the Babe born in Bethlehem, just like Simeon. Advent Blessings, Rev. Sherri

A Long Awaited Song

December 22, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds

This week’s song of the season is often overlooked. It comes from Simeon and is found in Luke 2:25-35. Simeon was a faithful man, who was waiting for the Messiah. God revealed to him that he would live to see the Messiah’s appearance. Finally, Simeon did see him on the day of Jesus’ presentation, and from this encounter Simeon burst forth with praise and prophecy. Simeon story impresses me, because the way in which he was guided by the Holy Spirit. Scripture tells us that he was led to the temple on the day of Jesus’ presentation. Also, the Spirit led him to take the baby in his arms and make a prophetic announcement. Simeon makes me wonder about how the Spirit guides me. Over the next few days, our lives will likely be filled. For some that is an active calendar, for others it will be trying to get it all done, and others will be filled with strong emotions of grief or being overwhelmed. In the fullness of life, take the time to stop and be guided by God’s Spirit. Listen to where the Lord leads you. James 4:8 reminds us to draw near to God, and God will draw near to you. As we grow in our relationship with God, God will lead us. And in God’s leading, I believe that we will know the Babe born in Bethlehem, just like Simeon. Advent Blessings, Rev. Sherri

The Songs of Christmas

December 15, 2024

In the United Methodist Hymnal on page 249, you will find There’s A Song in the Air.  This hymn begins with those words, “There’s a song in the air!” and the last verse proclaims, “we rejoice in the light, and we echo the song.” This week at First United Methodist Church, there is a song in the air, and we echo the song. It is a time of musical delight and hearing the story of our faith through music. Thursday night in the chapel will bring the history of your favorite hymns. Celebration Worship will be in the chapel at 9am with “Christmas Unplugged,” a time of jamming and caroling. Traditions worship will highlight our sanctuary choir and musicians with the songs of the season. All of these are great worship opportunities, which you will not want to miss.                What song are you singing this Advent? Psalm 149:1 reminds us, “Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise the assembly of the faithful.!” This week, may we praise the Lord with song. May the familiar lyrics become a prayer for us all. Happy Advent! Rev. Sherri

A Father's Song

December 8, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds

Music is an important part of our Advent Season. Songs connect us with precious memories and enhance our celebrations. Hymns and sacred tunes link us anew with the birth of Jesus. We are blessed with the melodies of the season. For sermons this Advent, we return to the original poems surrounding Jesus’ birth. Some of these may not have been set to music, but they all put a song in our heart and are a gift to us this Advent. For the second Sunday, we focus upon Zechariah and a father’s song. This “Song of the Season” teaches us a lesson about answered prayers and being an answer to prayer.                Luke 1:57-80 are words of praise from Zechariah. This righteous priest’s prayer had been heard and the prayers of his people had been heard too! He and Elizabeth would have a son, who would usher in the Messiah in the spirit of Elijah. Zechariah’s song encourages us to keep praying and have hope. What are you praying for this Advent? How might you be a hope-bearer or an answered prayer for others? May the sound of hope be yours this Advent season! Prayers for a blessed Advent, Rev. Sherri

A Father's Song

December 8, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds

Music is an important part of our Advent Season. Songs connect us with precious memories and enhance our celebrations. Hymns and sacred tunes link us anew with the birth of Jesus. We are blessed with the melodies of the season. For sermons this Advent, we return to the original poems surrounding Jesus’ birth. Some of these may not have been set to music, but they all put a song in our heart and are a gift to us this Advent. For the second Sunday, we focus upon Zechariah and a father’s song. This “Song of the Season” teaches us a lesson about answered prayers and being an answer to prayer.                Luke 1:57-80 are words of praise from Zechariah. This righteous priest’s prayer had been heard and the prayers of his people had been heard too! He and Elizabeth would have a son, who would usher in the Messiah in the spirit of Elijah. Zechariah’s song encourages us to keep praying and have hope. What are you praying for this Advent? How might you be a hope-bearer or an answered prayer for others? May the sound of hope be yours this Advent season! Prayers for a blessed Advent, Rev. Sherri

Lessons of the Chrismons

December 1, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds

It is a busy week at First United Methodist Church. In addition to the regular duties fit into a short week, there is also a lot of preparation taking place. We are working to get ready for the Advent season. At the center of the plans is our Chrismon tree which adorns the sanctuary. The Chrismon Tree is more than a typical Christmas tree, but a special tree which is decorated in gold and white ornaments which are the “monograms” or symbols of Jesus. On the tree you will find crosses, crowns, doves, mangers, sandals, and more. It is a beautiful reminder of Christ this Advent season. The Chrismon gives us the opportunity to consider afresh what Jesus means to us this Advent.                In Isaiah 5:9, we read a prophecy of Jesus, which reads, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Jesus is all these names and more. What does Jesus mean to you? Savior? Friend? Healer? Bread of Life? Resurrection and the Life? A Baby born in Bethlehem? Advent Blessings, Rev. Sherri

Lessons of the Chrismons

December 1, 2024

It is a busy week at First United Methodist Church. In addition to the regular duties fit into a short week, there is also a lot of preparation taking place. We are working to get ready for the Advent season. At the center of the plans is our Chrismon tree which adorns the sanctuary. The Chrismon Tree is more than a typical Christmas tree, but a special tree which is decorated in gold and white ornaments which are the “monograms” or symbols of Jesus. On the tree you will find crosses, crowns, doves, mangers, sandals, and more. It is a beautiful reminder of Christ this Advent season. The Chrismon gives us the opportunity to consider afresh what Jesus means to us this Advent.                In Isaiah 5:9, we read a prophecy of Jesus, which reads, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Jesus is all these names and more. What does Jesus mean to you? Savior? Friend? Healer? Bread of Life? Resurrection and the Life? A Baby born in Bethlehem? Advent Blessings, Rev. Sherri

A Mother's Song

November 24, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds

While we do not begin the season of Advent until December 1, like the rest of the world, we are rushing a bit by beginning our Advent series early: Songs of the Season. Songs permeate our society this time of year; carols, beloved Christmas hymns, and music which puts us in the holiday mood. Modern music and traditional classics enrich our time of celebration. But let’s go back to the originals. These are the poems of our faith which surround the birth story. While most of these poems have not been set to music, they still are the heartbeat songs of scripture and are the songs of those who first met Jesus, with the chorus of their response continuing to echo in our hearts through the ages. Mary, Zechariah, the shepherds, and Simon all offered song in response to God’s work around the birth of Jesus and in their poetic offerings we are renewed for this Advent season. We begin with Mary’s Song (Luke 1:39-56). This song is Mary’s response to God’s call upon her life to be the mother of Jesus. She acknowledged God’s grace in her, a lowly servant, being chosen as the mother to God’s child. Mary also thanks God for answering the prayers of His people in sending the Messiah. It is a beautiful song of gratitude and humility. As you prepare for the Advent season, spend some time with Mary’s song, considering God’s invitation to ministry in your life. How is God inviting you to usher in the work of the Jesus this Advent? May the sound of God’s invitation be yours this Advent season! Rev. Sherri

A Mother's Song

November 24, 2024 • Rev. Sherri Reynolds

While we do not begin the season of Advent until December 1, like the rest of the world, we are rushing a bit by beginning our Advent series early: Songs of the Season. Songs permeate our society this time of year; carols, beloved Christmas hymns, and music which puts us in the holiday mood. Modern music and traditional classics enrich our time of celebration. But let’s go back to the originals. These are the poems of our faith which surround the birth story. While most of these poems have not been set to music, they still are the heartbeat songs of scripture and are the songs of those who first met Jesus, with the chorus of their response continuing to echo in our hearts through the ages. Mary, Zechariah, the shepherds, and Simon all offered song in response to God’s work around the birth of Jesus and in their poetic offerings we are renewed for this Advent season. We begin with Mary’s Song (Luke 1:39-56). This song is Mary’s response to God’s call upon her life to be the mother of Jesus. She acknowledged God’s grace in her, a lowly servant, being chosen as the mother to God’s child. Mary also thanks God for answering the prayers of His people in sending the Messiah. It is a beautiful song of gratitude and humility. As you prepare for the Advent season, spend some time with Mary’s song, considering God’s invitation to ministry in your life. How is God inviting you to usher in the work of the Jesus this Advent? May the sound of God’s invitation be yours this Advent season! Rev. Sherri