Making A Joyful Noise

I believe in Heaven and expect to hear a lot of joyful noise there. As to the exact kind, there is no way for me to predict. However, I hope that it might include some good orchestral music. Psalm 98:4 tells us to “Make a joyful noise to the Lord,” and perhaps this could be part of it. Handel’s Messiah “Hallelujah Chorus” is a very powerful expression, especially with a large choir and orchestra.

After church today, I took my wife to hear the Detroit Symphony Orchestra play a special concert in beautiful Orchestra Hall. It marked the culmination of their two-week Tchaikovsky Festival. They had a full house, and everything about the event was superb.

At the conclusion, they played the famous 1812 Overture. Although I have heard it played numerous times before, that was always in an outdoor setting — especially around July 4. At those times, there might be loud cannons booming and sometimes fireworks. That has has been one of my favorite classical musical selections for well over a half-century.

This time the conductor announced (to everyone’s laughter) that there would be no fireworks, and it was not possible for live cannons. However, the orchestra played with such strength and ingenuity that those effects were felt.

Tonight I did an Internet search to learn more about Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and see if there was any material on his personal faith. There was hardly anything on the subject, so I have no idea about his faith — or lack thereof. He did have some very significant emotional and other personal problems.

People all over the world have their many ways of making joyful noises, even during times of hardships, and that certainly includes Christians.

I do believe that faith in Jesus Christ and accepting His gift of salvation is the only way of getting to Heaven. I might not hear the 1812 Overture there, but if not, I feel certain that the other music will be much better. Likewise, I believe the sounds inside Hell, the only place one can go if not Heaven, will be far worse than anyone can comprehend. I want to do what I can to help people learn about the only good place for eternity and make the best of their lives in serving God and humankind while here on earth.