As the right reverend Jerry Walls said this morning, there is more bad news every time you turn on the television or pick up a newspaper these days. The housing market is slumping, consumer confidence is probably lower than it has been since the great depression, people are losing their jobs, investing in the stock market is comparable to being at the roulette table in Vegas and the big three automakers are on the verge of going under. And I could go on and on.
I have to say it was very refreshing for me to hear some good news this morning. Actually this was The Good News and it was delivered as beautifully and as electrifying as it can be delivered in the form of a Christmas musical at Southside Baptist Church in Warner Robins GA.
The choir and orchestra, lead by an incredibly gifted couple - Mark and Amber Balltzglier, looked to me to be about 100 strong. Mark and his now very pregnant Amber took over the reins of leading worship at Southside earlier in the year and you will have a difficult time finding anybody, anywhere doing what they do better. I have been to four Broadway plays this year and this production would not have to take a back seat to any of them. And the story line was far and away better. I guess you would have had to be there to understand. Some of you reading this were there I suppose. There were three performances and I would guess several thousand were in attendance.
More importantly, we all were reminded that there really is a reason for the season. “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end….” (Isaiah 9).
No matter how bad the other news gets, this is really good news. Actually it is incredible news. And this news gives us reason to celebrate right in the face of the bad news we hear every day and the difficulties we may face.
Thanks to Mark and Amber and their incredible choir and orchestra, I have officially begun to celebrate the spirit of Christmas.
Here’s hoping you all join me.
3 comments:
I couldn't agree more! Mark and Amber are awesome. We are blessed to have them and their talent! I am also blessed to have them as friends! Thanks again for your leadership guys!! Anisa
Marks dad, Don, is the worship paster at First Baptist. He is a true gem and adds so much to our church! Diane
You should have mentioned in this article that Mark’s parents are at the First Baptist Church in Butler. His dad as the choir director and his mom as the pianist.
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