The Band 

Pastor Duck's Weekly Meditation 

Taiwan Church News 2651, December 22, 2002 

Translated by David Alexander 

Let the heavens be glad and let the earth rejoice. Let the sea roar, and all that fills it. Let the field exult. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy. Psalm 96:11-12 

At the church where Brother Pan is a deacon, preparations for Christmas begin in September. This year someone noticed that there are many church members who play musical instruments. It was suggested that a program of solo performances be arranged, like a musical recital. But then someone else said, "Why not organize a band?" 

There are 3 violinists, 2 trumpeters, several flutists, and the after school children's group has a recorder band. There is also a man who plays the clarinet and his wife who plays the guitar. Some of the old fellows can play the er-hu and one young woman majored in the Chinese Zither when she was in music college. Brother Pan was sure that all could be worked out, until someone mentioned that there were 5 pianists, and the church had only one piano. 

BUT, electronic keyboards could be provided. 

It was suggested that, if this all came together, it might be the greatest concert ever in the Kingdom of God. 

But there is a greater one; a concert of earth, sky and sea, a concert of nature and animal, all praising God. 

Join this band in joyful praise of the one who created us all. Celebrate the coming of Christ to redeem all of creation. 

Prayer: Creator God, accept our praises along with those of the sky, earth and sea. AMEN