Singing has always been a hallmark of the Christian Church. Indeed, there are over 400 references to singing in the Bible with singing first mentioned in Exodus 15 when Moses and the Israelites sang a song to the Lord. When Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Acts 16, we find them singing hymns in their cells to God. Whether in times of blessing or in times of trouble, the Church never stops singing!

One of the consequences of the Covid-19 is that the UK government are not permitting congregational singing due to concerns this may spread the virus. So how can we continue to worship God during this unprecedented time?

Firstly, let’s continue to sing as individuals and as households. Psalm 104:33 says “I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live”. You can have access to thousands of great worship songs by signing up to Spotify, Amazon Music and more. We also produce a playlist to go alongside the Sunday service and you can join the JCC Worship group on Facebook.

Secondly, let’s re-discover some of the songs of the Bible. Psalms is full of songs that magnify God and capture every season of the soul. In Revelation 15, we read about a song sung in Heaven that anticipates a great victory! Worship is so much more than singing and as we read these songs, let’s use them to draw close to God.

Coming together as God’s people to worship is such a great way to encourage one another, and we have an opportunity to do this by booking into the new Worship Central events. Whilst we will not be able to have congregational singing, we will be able to encounter God and experience His presence in new ways.

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” Isaiah 43:19.

 

Chris Bryant

Worship Leader