As Christians, we are a people who have received “great joy for all people” (Luke 2:10). Knowing Christ Jesus as Lord produces the fruit of “rejoicing in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). Therefore, we have the privilege of expressing this joy by “singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in our hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16).

In recent months here at Atonement we have seized many opportunities to rejoice in the Lord by singing. We have been using different orders of service from Lutheran Service Book for our corporate worship on Sunday mornings. On the first Sunday of the month we worship using “Divine Service, Setting Two” (LSB 167—183). On the second and fourth Sundays of the month we worship using the “Service of Prayer and Preaching” (LSB 260—267). On the fourth and fifth Sundays of the month we worship using “Divine Service, Setting Four” (LSB 203—212). In these orders of service we have a number of opportunities to rejoice in the Lord through song. One particular way that we do this is by singing various Biblical canticles.

I don’t know about you, but I have a difficult time watching the local news. I know it is good to watch, especially as a pastor. It helps me to stay in touch with what all of you are experiencing on a day to day basis so that I can better preach for you. It is a common belief in our society, contrary to what Scripture teaches, that people are basically good, and, given the right opportunity, they will do well for themselves and others. Though, it is hard to believe this assumption after watching the daily news. The news is difficult to watch because it is a constant reminder of how terribly wrong things can go when human beings are at the center. When humans are at the center the focus is often on “how to look out for my wellbeing?” and “how do I get ahead?” This is a recipe for destructive storms that cause great harm. We experienced the immense magnitude of this great harm a little less than a month ago with the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.