Joseph – A Song and a Sermon

December 7, 2021

Joseph – A Song and a Sermon

When we first began dating, my husband and I were employed by two very different churches. They proclaimed the same gospel, but the one where he worked was extremely contemporary while mine preserved the beautiful Lutheran liturgy. Although we attended each others’ services, it became our dream to collaborate, for him to preach while I played the piano.

Since moving to Iowa, we have had more opportunities for this duet of sermon and song. Whenever he preaches, I am careful to choose a piano prelude that is relevant to the message…even if nobody knows. Unlike my previous churches, though, I am not on staff. I am back to where I began: a volunteer playing keys with the band. Although I keenly miss playing the organ and leading congregational hymns, I am thankful that I am at least permitted to pick and play a prelude each week.

This week, my husband prepared a beautiful message on the character of Joseph the Carpenter, the earthly father of Christ. Meanwhile, I stumbled upon the perfect prelude: a piano arrangement of “The Hands that First Held Mary’s Child” by Dan Forrest.

As we continue our journey into Advent, I encourage you to listen to this song and sermon together. Music and message are, after all, complementary, informing our hearts and minds and instructing us in the beauty and truth of our good God.

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Ryanne_JM

Hello and welcome! I don’t love that I my name is also my website because I always thought that being a writer was about muttering to myself in the artistic anonymity of a dark corner, but here we are in this year of our Lord 2023. So who am I? Instagram wanted me to select “what” I am and gave me a set of limited options: artist, writer, blogger, or musician. The reality, though, is that I am a human person, not an internet personality. I am not a “what” but a “who,” with an eclectic and evolving set of passions. Just when you think you know what to expect from me, I’ll probably surprise you. (Getting used to articles on worship music? SURPRISE: spooky short story! Expecting another theological sonnet? SURPRISE: a random musing on my fascination with Bigfoot.) I’m going to organize my website so that it is easy to navigate and simple to find the content that you find the most interesting. However, because I am a collaborative pianist, worship director, pastor’s wife, speaker, and writer of all genres, there’s a good chance you’ll stumble upon writing that falls beyond your usual reading material…and that’s okay. I’m so glad you’re here, and I look forward to sharing my work with you!