Come, let’s sing out loud to the Lord!
Let’s raise a joyful shout to the rock of our salvation!
Let’s come before him with thanks!
Let’s shout songs of joy to him!
The Lord is a great God,
the great king over all other gods. – Psalm 95:1-3 (CEB)
I love parades. I tend to forget this, but I really do enjoy them. I have been to some of the big ones, like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in New York and the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena. Really, though, it is local ones that I love. I was at the Medford Halloween Parade this weekend. It is always amazing how many people are there. Still, I almost did not go. Wendolyn and Cade were both on patrol duty for the parade, making sure that all of the children eager to get at the candy thrown stayed safely behind the white lines on the road. That meant I’d be on my own for the parade. It seemed so much easier to stay home, get some quiet time, and watch the World Series. But I forced myself to move and get to the parade. I parked near the start, so that in getting to the route I walked past the full lineup. The energy and excitement of all of those getting their floats prepared, making sure costumes were perfect, dance routines in sync, instruments tuned, and fire trucks ready was palpable. It was such fun to be surrounded by the joy and anticipation.
I wonder if going to church can feel the same way. I wonder if those that got out of the rhythm of attending in the aftermath of the pandemic have forgotten their love of being at church. I wonder if they might be re-enchanted by walking into the building full of excitement and anticipation as the choir gets prepared, Adult Forum discusses whatever topic they are on, altar guild is preparing the table, people are gathered around coffee, and children rush out of Sunday School. I wonder what it might take to better cultivate that energy, and to better remind people of the joy of being surrounded by it. Perhaps those of us there each Sunday need to remember what a joy it is and how much worship is worth anticipating. It can be so easy to think that it is better to stay home and get some sleep or have some quiet time, or rush out and attend to errands and other things that need done. Yet, the experience of showing up can be so powerful.
Come, let’s sing out loud to the Lord!
Let’s raise a joyful shout to the rock of our salvation!
Let’s come before him with thanks!
Let’s shout songs of joy to him!
Let’s remember the power and joy of making ourselves show up.