How Did “Hallelujah” end up as “Cyber Tuesday?” Five Minutes on Friday with the LPD. Also – news on assisting refugees

Good morning friends,

Three weeks until Christmas Day!

On our radios, we hear the “seasonal songs” and the odd carol, but more and more, I am hearing melodies of familiar carols being used as “jingles” for various stores – from diamonds to automobiles. For example Spence Diamonds has chosen, “Joy to the World” as their jingle. Perhaps none has stood out more this year that the advertisement by Chapters/Indigo. Earlier this week, I heard the familiar melody of the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s “Messiah,”, but to my surprise the word, “Hallelujah,” was replaced by “Cyber Tuesday.”

At one time, such misuse of a sacred song would make me want to write a letter of complaint. Today, it simply makes me sad that the creators of the radio commercial and the company who purchased it are likely unaware of the real message and real lyrics of the song.

According to tradition, King George II, upon first hearing the Hallelujah Chorus, stood, and others stood with him. Ever since, it has been the tradition of audiences to do so. It is no wonder! The lyrics are equally majestic to the music. They read:

Wow! A message to stand for. More than this, a message to proclaim!

Last weekend, Karen and I had the opportunity to minister at Parkdale EFC in Victoria. While there, we happened upon the “Island Farms Santa Claus Parade” early Saturday evening, and we joined the 40,000 or so who gathered to view the parade along the Inner Harbour.

The very first float was from the “Mustard Seed,” a Christian mission and street church in downtown Victoria. Participants sang “Joy to the World, the Lord has come…” as they marched by. This was thrilling to hear. Later in the parade, the float of Glad Tidings Church passed by. Carols were sung, and on the float were the words, “People, Hope, Adventure.” On the rear of the float were the words, “Because of Hope.” Around us, people were all greeting one another with a warm, “Merry Christmas.” It was great!

I believe that there are huge doors open to those who will proclaim the Good News of Great Joy through this season! Forget the political correctness drivel – share the news. Many today do not have a clue what it is all about!

I am thankful for many of our district churches and people who are sharing the news this season. Please take every opportunity to tell the good news, and what it has meant for you. Tell your story. Tell God’s story!

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Please see the attached Five Minutes on Friday, with news and prayer items from the LPD, and also see the attachment featuring White Rock Community Church, our LPD Church of the Week.

Refugees: A number of LPD Churches are inquiring about sponsoring and assisting refugees arriving in the weeks ahead. Steve Masoud is the Youth and Young Adult Director at Johnston Heights Church. He, along with his parents, Adel and Layla Masoud and family, immigrated to Canada from Kuwait, and came to the Christian faith in a powerful way.

Adel and  Layla Masoud are the founders and directors of the Middle Eastern Friendship Centre, which serves and reaches out to immigrants from the Middle East. They offer English classes, and a variety of services, and while doing this share the Good News.

Adel believes that the Centre is well situated and equipped to reach out to the coming refugees, and welcomes our partnership with them. There are both ministry opportunities and financial needs. Please see their website for more information, or call Adel at (604) 288-5588. 

Upcoming Events:

• Kringles – a Gift Worth Giving. Dec. 2-6 at Johnston Heights Church. This is the 26^th annual musical theatre Christmas production. Plan to attend this event (tickets are free) and also bring friends. It is a special and fun time – and the gospel will be introduced. For info and tickets, please see here.                                                                   

• LPD Conference – March 4,5 – 2016 –on the theme Coaching and Mentoring.

May God bless and keep you as you look to the Lord, and trust him for his good work through the week ahead.

In Jesus,

Rob                                       

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This year, as our Lower Pacific District assists in the birth and revitalization of churches, we also step out in faith with local churches through providing financial support and seed money.  To this end, we appreciate the gifts of many district churches and also of individuals.  You can participate through both cheques and online through PayPal at our website. See LPD website for more info.