“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”
~ Psalm 133:1
In a time when many societies and churches are plagued by division and strife, Christian unity is not merely good and pleasant, but an imperative that acts as a powerful witness to an unbelieving world. Every Christmas, in a rare outward display of unity, Christians around the world gather—regardless of their denominational or theological differences—for one common purpose: to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
The power of such a single-minded gathering cannot be underestimated. Before being arrested and crucified, Jesus himself prayed for all believers, “that they may all be one … so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21). The fulfilment of Christ’s prayer was then partly seen in Acts, where the early believers “were together and had all things in common” (Acts 2:44), and as a result, had “favour with all the people” (Acts 2:47). Their unity also led to spiritual growth, for “the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).
Earthly manifestations of Christian unity also give the world a glimpse of heaven. When King Solomon dedicated the Temple, “the glory of the Lord filled the house of God” (2 Chronicles 5:14) when the priests, musicians, and singers praised God in unity. In Revelation 7:9-12, John records a vision of “a great multitude … from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages”, worshipping God in unity.
Expressions of our unity in Christ may be powerfully used by God. Hence, at the Methodist School of Music, musical groups such as the Methodist Festival Choir (MFC) are important. Established in 2013, MFC members come from 22 Methodist churches and several other denominations. They express Christian unity in a way Methodists are known for throughout the world—through singing.
Apologetics and reasoning find little headway among non-believers these days, but stories, music and art continue to move hearts. With this in mind, we invite you to a nationwide gathering of Methodists this December, to witness the redemptive story of God told through music and song by the MFC! For in our gathering, the world may believe in God.
MFC 10th Anniversary: And He Shall Reign
Methodist Festival Choir that explore God’s grand story of Creation, the Fall, Redemption and Restoration.
– 6 Dec (Wed) 8.00 p.m. to 9.30 p.m., Wesley Methodist Church
– 9 Dec (Sat) 6.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m., Trinity Theological College
Admission is free.
For details, visit https://www.methodist.org.sg/mcevents/mfc-10th-anniversary-and-he-shall-reign/.