Advent 4 C: Singing as an Act of Resistance

Dear Partner in Preaching, Would you consider, on this Fourth Sunday in Advent, omitting the sermon in favor of a hymn sing? I know that’s a lot to ask, and I’ll explain why in a moment. But first I should say that even if you don’t want to omit the sermon – and, trust me, I get that, even admire it! – at least consider keeping the sermon shorter than usual in order to give more room to the hymns of the season. So…why my advice to privilege singing over preaching this week? Well, let me suggest Luke as my example. Have you ever noticed, that is, how often Luke employs songs in the first several chapters of his story about Jesus....