Royal Wood and John Knox
by JVS on Nov.19, 2008, under 2008
Friday night I was sitting in Knox United Church listening to an up and coming singer named Royal Wood. His music was mystical, thoughtful, and spiritually provoking. At one point in his concert he referenced the fact that we were in a church. Later, after making a barely off-colour comment, he said, “Sorry about that Lord.” In the middle of his set – during that quiet more contemplative part of all sets – I started to look around and take in the sacred setting; this majestic stone sanctuary, tall stained glass windows, and a great sandstone arch framing the musician’s stage – the pulpit.
As Royal Wood’s voice narrated the story of that space I thought about the United Church; in particular, about it’s de-deifying of Christ. A few years back the church’s moderator (its big kahuna) publicly stated that he didn’t belief Jesus was God. The church let him keep his job, and this mainline denomination has been slipping ever since.
So it was with sadness that I looked around that darkened sanctuary.
But then an encouraging thought hit me. Having just finished a month of sermons on God and music – the idea of Christ’s Spirit still speaking through contemporary songs still fresh in my mind – I felt hope. While the sermons preached from the pulpits of several United Churches may not speak of a Jesus who is Lord, perhaps the songs being sung by these singers do. Wouldn’t it be just like Jesus to continue to leave his mark is this more subltle, commonly gracious way?
Listening to the singer sing, I felt this strong sense of, “I’ve not left this place yet.” And I just paused, smiled and listened. There was something intriguing in this music. At one point, during one song, Royal Wood had the entire congregation sing along with him. Strange feeling; all of us joining in the chorus sitting in our pews.
During the break I bought his newest CD and yesterday I had a good listen to it. The last song on the album seemed to me a doxology; a prayer.
Silently
Surely it won’t come to this
Surely there’s a way
If on my knees I ask of thee
Silently
And holy love don’t pass my way
Shine your glory brightly
Realign the stars to say
Silently
Silently
Silently
Well oh love
Holy love
Don’t turn your back on me now
Well old love
Holy dove
Don’t turn your back on me now
For no one has a heart for breaking
No one has a soul for taking
No one needs a love worth faking
Yes no one has a heart for breaking
Well oh love
Holy dove
Don’t turn your back on me now
Well old love
Holy dove
Don’t turn your back on me now
For no one has a heart for breaking
No one has a soul for taking
No one needs a love worth faking
Yes no one has a heart for breaking
Silent
Silent
Silently
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Royal Wood and John Knox
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, November 21 2008 @ 06:07 PM PST
Great thoughts. It is sad when church becomes a place that is no longer about
Christ. But I think you’re right when you say He hasn’t left them. Cool.
