cyberspace junkyard

Church tonight was something special. Don't get me wrong - I love Sundays, but tonight - whoa. I was literally overcome with emotion.

Maybe I should start from the top. Firstly, I was on band, and we'd had a fun, smooth rehearsal. Always a good start. During the service, the songs were gelling well, and the congregation were really getting into it. Things were moving along quickly and then we got to the first "special item". We're in the middle of a series on Revelation and were up to Chapter 4&5 - one of John's amazing descriptions of heaven. Instead of a normal bible reading, one of the drama team was dressed as John (his mum sewed him a really authentic costume as a surprise. Before you ask - he's about 20!) and he walked on stage and started writing a letter, imagining what heaven is like while a voiceover describes his thoughts ie reads from Revelation. It was all pre-recorded and set to backing orchestral music. Definitely a new way of hearing the Bible!

Then, our Young Adults pastor preached and he was (as usual) breathtakingly clear and direct. I love that he preaches with passion AND biblical authority (he's doing his PhD on Revelation). The main message was we were meant to live for so much more than the world offers and that as Christians we create a new kind of norm that points to the future and heaven. AWESOME. Still no tears though!

Right after the sermon was the 2nd special item... One of the dance team presented a solo dance to the song by MercyMe, "I can only imagine". She is a beautiful dancer. It's not about technique or skills but pure heart. You just feel her joy in Christ when she dances. Intercut with the dance were some stills of people expressing their awe of God. Before I knew it, I had tears streaming down my face and I was mouthing the words of the song. Lyrics below.

I guess you had to be there!

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By Your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When Your face
Is before me
I can only imagine

{Chorus}:
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for You Jesus or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine