Music Notes

Along with the New Year, this January brings the liturgical season of Epiphany, beginning with the celebration of how the Wise Men sought Jesus by following a star. I think that it is sometimes easy to gloss over Epiphany, since it is often overshadowed by Christmas and New Years, with presents and resolutions. One sign that I saw the other day on my way to work, though, reminded me of the significance of this season. “Wise Men Still Seek Jesus,” it said, announcing the title of an upcoming sermon on a church’s sign. It made me stop and think, first that it was a clever saying, but then it stuck with me. How true it is.
The Bible talks about how the Gospel appears to be foolish to the world, and to those who do not know God. That’s why so many Christians were persecuted and martyred, following the example of what first happened to Christ. But as His followers, we know that there was, and is, something more to Jesus. Though the Gospel may be considered by some to be foolishness, we know that there is depth, healing, and salvation in the message; and wisdom.

Seeking for Jesus is not just a one-time expedition from a foreign place, but a lifetime of discipleship. Epiphany reminds us that those who would be wise still do and must seek Jesus. A wonderful way in which to do this is through music. It flows from our heart and soul. In the Psalms, we have wonderful examples of those who were seeking God through song. Whether in anger, frustration, jubilation, peace, joy, or times of questioning, they sought God with all of their heart. I pray that whatever comes in this new year, we will continually seek Jesus, whether in song, in solitude, in silence, or in shouts of praise – growing in wisdom, in our knowledge of Him, in our relationship with Him, in all of the ups and downs that life brings.