‘Prelude to Christmas’ free concert to encourage community, ‘Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery’

In a “musically diverse” evening featuring faculty and students, the School of Church Music and Worship (SCMW) at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary will host its annual “Prelude to Christmas” free concert for the seminary and Fort Worth communities Nov. 11 at 7:00 p.m. in MacGorman Chapel.

Themed, “Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery,” after the modern hymn by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa, the purpose of the evening is “inaugurate the Advent and Christmas season with an evening of thoughtful, worshipful, and encouraging music,” said Joseph R. Crider, dean of the SCMW.

“One of the most important roles of a Christian musician, and the primary responsibility of a worship leader, is to help people engage with God,” Crider explained. “The purpose in presenting ‘Prelude to Christmas,’ is to remind people to look beyond our overly-commercialized culture and behold Jesus Christ, the Wondrous Mystery.”

Crider noted “the rich lyrics of the hymn trace Christ’s life through the contour of the Gospel,” observing that the four verses of the song focus on Christ’s birth, His sinless life, His perfect sacrifice, and His return.

The concert is set to feature traditional Christmas hymns, including “O Holy Night” and “Do You Hear What I Hear?” among others, and more recent seasonal songs, such as “Mary, Did You Know?” The SCMW’s choirs, including Southwestern Singers, Texas Baptist College Choir, and Southwestern A Cappella; ensembles, the Southwestern Piano Ensemble, the SWBTS Guitar Ensemble; and bands, the Cowden Hall Band and the Texas Baptist College Band, will lead highlight the evening’s selections in choruses and instrumental music.

Attendance to the concert is complimentary; however ticket reservations are recommended here.