12 December 2006

The Unseen Damage

We don't know when it started. The leak was from the roof in the north tower of the church. And in the north tower, under the upper chamber, is housed our organ. Gradually it effected the organ itself. Now the organ of St. Paul's is silenced. The pipes can no longer issue their clarion call. They've been dismantled and stacked in the balcony. Christmas this year will be sans organ.

It was an image to me of the way sin effects us. We imagine that the sins we do really don't effect a thing. But that's not true. They damage us - each and every one. Like the water pouring in and hardening leather and rusting steel and finally silencing the music raised to the praise of God, so our sins do to us.

There really is only one answer for St. Paul's organ. The roof will have to repaired, the chamber cleaned, and the organ reconstructed. It will take time and effort and it will cost a bit. So it is with the healing from sin: it costs a bit. Just as the insurance company will foot the bill at St. Paul's, so our Lord footed the bill. The damage is all ours, but the healing will come from him. St. Paul's organ is helpless to fix itself; and so are we. But in mercy Christ begins and carries through the work of restoration. In this age, we'll never be restored to perfect pitch, but that's because in this age His work on us is never finished, but He promises that there will come a new day for us - a day when all the damage will be repaired and we'll be able to sound forth the praises of God as we were made to do.

Meanwhile, we live in the days of healing and restoration. And it's painful, and costly, and the damage done by our sin is real - both in us and in others. But thanks be to God, the Master Builder isn't finished with us yet!

4 comments:

Dan @ Necessary Roughness said...

"Christmas this year will be sans organ."

That sounds so sad, but this could be an opportunity for a quite memorable Christmas. Do you still have a piano at your disposal?

Anonymous said...

Oh...but look at the opportunity--to hear Stille Nacht played on the instrument for it was intended...classical guitar. (Well, what kind of reaction would one expect from a John Michael Talbot groupie! ;)

Seriously though...sorry about the organ. Hope it is back in service for you soon.

William Weedon said...

Dan and Rose,

We have a Clavinova that will get us through. I'm partial to them myself - would always prefer them to a real piano (upkeep so much easier!). But it won't be the same.

We used to have one of our youth who played harp for us each Christmas eve - always on "Stille Nacht." Sigh. The music of heaven come to earth. But she hasn't touched it for a few years and now won't play for us. : (

I should have mentioned, far more serious than the organ, the organist herself (also my secretary) will be having abdominal surgery, likely before Christmas. Please keep her in your prayers. Her name is Marianne - and she is also a diabetic. Her birthday happens to be on Thursday.

Unknown said...

Hello,

I agree with Rose. Having read/heard again the story behind the song, this appears to be a time for the church to embrace the concept that things of this Earth pass away/change/are never the same, but God's Grace does not change.

A poignant sermon theme for Christmas Eve that ties in with the reason for the season may be, "NEWS FLASH - Latest Archealogical Information: Bethlehem stable had a hole in it! Savior still born and still saves to this day!!!"

I'm sorry to hear about the difficulty, but this may be an opportunity for an "Old Fashioned Christmas"!!

I will be thinking of you as I sit in a classroom on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day!!!!

Blessings,
Stoleman