Silver Spring, Maryland, United States …. [Taashi Rowe/ANN]
While any song can inspire a whole spectrum of emotions, sacred music has a loftier goal. So does the theme song composed specifically for the upcoming quinquennial business meeting of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in St. Louis, Missouri this summer. The new song, “Jesus Christ How We Adore You,” replaces a long-cherished theme song of the business meetings which expresses hope in Christ’s second coming. While Christ’s advent remains intrinsic to the church’s beliefs, this new song complements the meeting’s theme, “Transformed in Christ.”
The song emphasizes the “relationship with Christ and the change that takes place essentially [through] Christ,” says Ted N.C. Wilson, a general vice president of the world church. It also acknowledges Christ’s powerful superior nature, and asks God for significant change in man’s character.
Reger Smith, public relations director for the world church and the song’s lyricist, explains further: “The song portrays Christ’s many facets as a provider, mentor, creator and redeemer.”
Members of the music committee for the 2005 General Conference Session chose this particular song from more than 40 songs. They understood that the sacred song had to be more than merely a catchy tune that may satisfy fans of popular music.
“Music is essential to worship. It was designed by God for worship,” says Ted Jones III, who composed the music for the song. “Music by itself without any words will create an emotional response … it is a very potent means of expression. We have a great opportunity and privilege to express ourselves to music with praise and honor to a great God who has done so much for us.”
It was with this premise in mind that committee members reviewed submissions for the theme song. They looked for a song that not only complements the Session’s theme, but also creates a sense of unity among the thousands that will attend the meeting.
Jones, a professional composer and arranger, was invited to submit some of his musical arrangements in November 2003.
“I’ve had music in my head for as long as I can remember,” he says.
Even though he has written and arranged music since he was 17 years old, Jones says he didn’t realize he was a composer until he was in his 20s.
He submitted three songs to the committee. The music for the chosen song was inspired by the original lyrics supplied by the music committee.
Smith, who is also part of the music committee, says the committee mulled over other song selections for about eight months, and finally narrowed the choice down to two or three songs. The final version reflects a collaborative effort between the committee, the composer and the lyricist, he says.
The other submissions were good, Smith says, but not right for a theme song. The final choice, however, caught his eye from the very beginning. “It had a strong melody.
“I wanted the song to be an uplifting praise song and at the same time one of worship and adoration,” says Smith, who has an extensive musical background playing piano, singing and directing groups and choirs.
Smith worked on lyrics that would be contemporary and spiritually enriching.
“This song connects in an inspirational way,” notes Smith, adding that the lyrics and music now blend well, and it’s short and catchy.
“It’s not a hymn,” says Wilson, explaining that it can be “easily picked up and lifts you up and points to the theme. It helps you feel like a part of the world church family.
“We’ve had different theme songs over the years,” Wilson adds. “The most recognized is ‘We Have This Hope’.” This song, which is number 214 in the Adventist church hymnal, was written by Wayne Hooper for the
1962 General Conference Session. This song reflects the church’s core belief in the Second Coming.
The new theme song will go into the program booklet for the Session and will be translated into other languages. It will be sung at the Session’s morning worships and evening meetings.
“By the third day of Session people will be humming the song and will know the words,” says Wilson.
Copyright © 2005 by Adventist News Network.
