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The Sanctuary Choir and Soloists under the conducting of the Rev. Dr. John Wilson will present JohnRutter’s Magnificat at the 8:30 AM and 10:45 AM worship services on Sunday, December 20, at FBSUMC.

The magnificat or Mary’s Song is taken from the Gospel of Luke 1:46 – 55 and is traditionally read or sung on the fourth Sunday of Advent, sometimes familiarly called Mary’s Sunday.  The words spoken by Mary are an outpouring of love, joy, gratitude, and trust and has always been one of the most familiar and well-loved scriptural texts.  The Catholic Church always includes it as part of the Office of Vespers and the Anglican, Evensong.  Because of its familiarity, many composers have set it to music from medieval times to the present. 

This extended setting by the English composer John Rutter was influenced by the feast days of the Virgin which occur in Spain, Mexico, andPuerto Rico where people take to the streets in joyous celebrations with singing, dancing, and processions. The Spanish flavors and rhythms are heard throughout the piece.  It makes one want to shout “Ole!” at times.  Rutter’s MAGNIFICATwas premiered in New York City on May of 1990 and was first sung in Kingsport in December of 1997 withJohn Wilson conducting. 

On December 24, Christmas Eve, we will celebrate four times. We will celebrate at 3:00 in the Sanctuary, 5:30 also in the Sanctuary, 7:30 for our Contemporary Christmas Eve Candlelight, & 10:30 pm for our midnight service of light.  We hope you will join us.