We have reached Day 20 of our 25-day Christmas Advent-ure on Faith Radio, exploring a variety of symbols related to the life and ministry of Jesus. Today, we move into sections of Scripture that deal with powerful images surrounding His death.
I think it's important to remember that our Savior endured intense suffering for us. That's part of the full story of Christmas - He was born in a manger in Bethlehem and died on a cross at Calvary. He came to die so that we could live with Him eternally.
So, today, we think about the crown of thorns. We know that He is our King, He is seated on a heavenly throne and that, as the cover of our latest Ministry Magazine declares, "He Shall Reign Forever and Ever!" But, those who put Jesus to death mocked Him and tried to minimize His kingship. John 19:2 says: “...the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe.”
Recently in Waco, Texas, a creative presentation of the Nativity, including prophecies found in Scripture, was presented. It was called He Rules the World. Crosswalk Headlines reported:
Peter B. Emerson, the composer, lyricist, and executive producer, said he got the idea for the project while attending a live performance of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra with his daughter in 2018.
"There were fantastic lights, lasers, LED, pyrotechnics, big guitar solos on platforms that were lifted 150 feet in the air -- and it's such a spectacle, and it's so well done, so well thought out," Emerson told Crosswalk Headlines. "And the whole time I'm there, I'm thinking, 'Man, that is really, really cool. I can do that.'"
But, there was something missing. The article relates:
"Their Christmas show is not really about Christmas," he said. "It's Christmas adjacent -- the spirit of Christmas. There's lots of Christmas elements in it, but it's really not about the birth of Christ."
Emerson, who has a background in composing and arranging, wrote his own rock opera, which focused squarely on the Nativity story, beginning in the Old Testament prophecies and ending with the birth of Christ. It features elements from a Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert but with a faith-centric twist.
At the heart of "He Rules The World" is an 18-song original score that brings traditional and newly composed material to life to tell the Nativity story from the participants' perspective.
Featuring "God's Not Dead" actor Kevin Sorbo as both narrator and executive producer, Emerson says Sorbo played a key role in the project.
"From our very first conversation, it was clear we shared a vision for creating meaningful faith and family content," he said. "Kevin's strong belief in our mission made it a perfect fit for him to join as both the narrator and one of the executive producers."
Also, as the article points out:
Directed by award-winning Austin-based filmmaker Matt Chauncey, "He Rules The World" is also co-produced by David Gaschen, a Broadway veteran who currently serves as the artist-in-residence at Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, the home of former lead pastor Chuck Swindoll.
Gaschen, a baritone, leads a cast that includes Joe Caskey, Alex Bumpas, Celia Arthur, Emery Gray and others.
"David was introduced to us by our producer and brought an incredible depth of experience, having performed in over 1,300 shows of 'The Phantom of the Opera' on Broadway and in Europe," said Emerson. "He had been praying for the opportunity to work on a faith-based project, making 'He Rules the World' a perfect match for his talents."
A review of a performance on the Heaven's Metal website stated:
With lights, animation, and narration by Kevin Sorbo, the Christmas story came to life in an energetic, jamming, theatrical, dramatic, and sometimes tender way.
It goes on to say:
Like any good entertainment (especially at Christmas), it makes one feel glad to be alive … and clearly answers the opening question: “What is Christmas.” You might leave the show singing that chorus, but you won’t be leaving without knowing what it’s all about.
I have said before that God will inspire within us creative ideas in order that we might reach people with His message. And, we can seek to implement those ideas in an excellent manner. That seems to be the spirit of He Rules the World. We can boldly proclaim that, yes, we do serve the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, and that He rules and reigns. And, He will reign forever.
But, there are those that don't believe - that's why we have to seek out ways to break down the walls that would keep people out of the Kingdom. Certainly, the Word will not return void. But, communicating to our culture in a way that is creative and compelling is important. We serve a King who is not of this world; but those who crucified Jesus didn't understand that, so they made a crown of thorns and placed it on His head. They mocked Him, and the world mocks Him and the Church today. We can be devoted to living what we believe, with credibility, in a clear and compelling manner. And, the world's hearts are just a bit more open, I believe, during this season. So, we can capitalize on that.
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