Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Et In Terra Pax (And on Earth, Peace)

Last Sunday evening we had a second combined rehearsal of our church choir and orchestra; the first was only a week ago.  We had been practicing separately since October, but now that our Christmas concerts are this weekend, we're putting it all together.  It's a lot of fun practicing with the orchestra.  For one thing, we're finally getting to hear the end product.  But I also love just listening to the orchestra tuning up.  The sound is so full of excitement and anticipation, don't you think?

But these concerts aren't merely performances.  One of their main purposes is to present the gospel to the community.  Every year our congregation is encouraged to bring their neighbors and friends because halfway through each concert our pastor presents a clear gospel message.  I hope and pray that many decide to place their faith in Him this Christmas season.

Here's one of the songs we'll be singing/playing:  http://listeninglab.stantons.com/title/et-in-terra-pax-and-on-earth-peace/454326/

("Et in terra pax" means "and on earth, peace." It's a quote from the Latin version of Luke 2:13-14 in which an angel announces the birth of Jesus. After he has told some shepherds of the birth of Jesus and its meaning, a multitude of angels appear praising God saying: "gloria in altissimis deo, et in terra pax." This translates to "glory among the highest things to God and on earth peace.")

Et in terra pax, and on earth, peace.
Et in terra pax, and on earth, peace.
Gloria in excelsis!
Glory to God in the highest!
Et in terra pax, and on earth, peace.

Gloria in excelsis deo!
Gloria in excelsis deo!

And suddenly with the angel there was
A multitude of the heavenly host praising God
And saying "Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth, peace."

Et in terra pax, and on earth, peace.
Et in terra pax, and on earth peace.

Peace.

For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him (John 3:17).

4 comments:

  1. Hi,
    We also sang this (Et In Terra Pax) at our church in Wellington, New Zealand as part of our carol service in Decmber (4/11/2011). Selected by our Choir Director who has a a wonderful ear for music and chose a great programme of carols. We (the Choir) enjoyed singing it and the congregation simply loved it.

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    1. So interesting that both our choirs sang this song at about the same time but half way around the world from each other. It's such a beautiful song and was probably my favorite of all the songs we sang.

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  2. we are singing Et In Terra Pax in our Chorus class at northview IB school. We are performing it at a concert in winston. I have a solo part where i will sing above leger linesd. :) wish me good luck.:)

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