And So We Sing

Why do we Christians sing?

In the world of musical theater, there is an axiom that dictates when the character reaches an emotional peak, he or she should break into song. So for the likes of Curly, and Cosette, and Sweeny Todd – singing is the inevitable response to the drama of the moment.

In the church, what is our singing a response to exactly? Why is music so important that we spend enormous time and effort writing songs, arranging music, and rehearsing choirs, all to be a part of weekly worship services?

I think it’s because we have to.

As with the characters in a musical, sometimes singing is the only response capable of expressing what is happening in our hearts and lives. In moments such as these, church music is not superfluous. It is not ornamental. It is necessary. When all our good words and kind deeds are found insufficient, after we’ve cried all our tears, and we find ourselves standing before an empty cross, sometimes the only thing left for us to do is sing.

And so that is why we sing praises. That is why we sing lamentations. That is why we sing encouragement to our brothers and sisters in Christ. For when nothing else will do, we sing.

And so we sing the music mercy scored.

We sing all praise to Christ, our Lord and King.

For words alone cannot express

His matchless love and faithfulness.

And so we sing!

From “And So We Sing”

Words by Robert Sterling; Music by Regi Stone

(GlorySound anthem #35027907)