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The Beat Goes On




During Advent, Hyde Park Community UMC did a series based on Beatles songs as we “Unwrapped Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love” preparing for Christmas. I was BEYOND excited for this sermon series! As we came to a finale of the “long and winding road” of Advent my hope was that some people thought, “Don’t stop the music!” For those experiencing that sentiment, I stood in solidarity with them – as music is a passion of mine. 

While I know God can’t give all of the gifts to people – I wish I would have received the gift of music (either singing or playing – I’m not picky) instead of only the gift of appreciating music. While a college professor graded me as being only “average” in my appreciation of music I have since made up for it spending extra money and time at concerts. 

For some people, though, music is something that just “sounds nice, it’s good background noise.” For me, it is so much more! People of the Bible used music as a tool to pray and as an outlet to express the whole spectrum of human emotion. This creative expression helps us emotionally and spiritually, offers us direction, and has the ability to articulate thoughts and feelings all while showing us that we aren’t alone.

The Advent series was based on the premise that God is in all things and we have the ability to find sacred in the ordinary and everyday as we theologically reflect on how songs not traditionally found in “Christian music” can point us to God. This Advent, the Beatles songs acted as a soundtrack for the season leading up to Christmas as we were invited to explore creative ways to connect with God and others. 

For those who are interested in exploring faith through music – the beat goes on! The teaching theme for *Summer Impact is “Rock of Ages” as a way to enjoy music, express faith, and find community. Whether you will participate in Summer Impact or not, there is a community made Spotify playlist of 176 songs made for all people.These songs were submitted to the playlist because people have found divine meaning, hope, and love. Are there unexpected songs that have connected you to God? 

May you experience God in unexpected places and unexpected ways this Christmas season and into 2019 as you open your eyes (and maybe your ears) to what God is trying to show you. 

*Summer Impact is a ministry of Hyde Park Community UMC that invites groups to come and serve for a week alongside local ministry partners. These inner-city Cincinnati partnerships include building projects, day camps, delivering furniture, urban gardening, communing with those who are experiencing homelessness and sickness, and more. Follow the link to learn more.
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