Article May 19, 1956 Issue

THE SPIRITUAL MESSAGE IN MUSIC

OLGA F. DE GROFF

When David brought the ark to Jerusalem after recapturing it at the defeat of the Philistines, he had it set up in a tent; great was the rejoicing, for to the Hebrews the ark was a symbol of the presence of God among them. We read (I Chron. 15:16), "David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy." Thus was the ministry of music established by the Hebrews in their worship of God.

The highest use of music is unquestionably in the service of God. Those who hold positions in Christian Science churches as musicians, whether as soloist, organist, or pianist, share a precious responsibility in bringing out the spiritual message in church services.

Often we hear the solo spoken of as having "a message." Did not John refer to such a message when he said (I John 1:3, 5): "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son, Jesus Christ.... This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all"? It should be the desire of every consecrated soloist and organist or pianist in a Church of Christ, Scientist, to have the music express the healing Christ, Truth, to such a degree that each listener may receive that which he most needs. He may receive comfort for grief, healing for sickness, joy for despondency, love for hate and resentment, and peace for anxiety and fear.

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