Rejoice in Worship - Mil Voces Para Celebrar: El Himnario Metodista and the Christian Fiesta

Next to the Bible, the hymnal is the most important book for the Christian community. It is an instrument to worship God as a congregation and as individuals. The Methodist movement in England and now The United Methodist Church have always placed special importance on the order and rites used in worship. The founder of the Methodist movement, John Wesley, an Anglican priest, and his brother Charles, a hymn writer, published and used the hymns for the theological instruction within the movement.

The Spanish hymnal Mil Voces Para Celebrar continues the effort to assist the Methodist constituency as they seek to worship God. It contains five major sections:

• The first section consists of the sacramental services and rites of The United Methodist Church. There are two services for Holy Communion and one for baptism, which can be adapted for the confirmation of new members.
• The second section features the general and special services, such as: Christian marriage, death and Resurrection, healing, a service for faith communities, a prayer service. All of these may be adapted to suit the local congregation.
• The third section is divided into two parts. The first part contains affirmations of faith: Apostles' Creed, Nicene Creed, Hispanic Creed, and Korean Creed. The second part offers an introduction to the Christian Year and some biblical canticles.
• The fourth section is a collection of psalms presented in an antiphonal manner, with musical responses.
• The fifth section offers hymns and other worship resources and is divided into three parts: (1) Theological emphasis on the Triune God, (2) Community of Faith, and (3) Christian Hope.
  • Themes under the Triune God are: God Creator, Jesus Christ Redeemer, Holy Spirit and Experience with Christ. Under the theme of Jesus Christ Redeemer is the Christian Year, which covers Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and the Season After Pentecost. Within each season, there are special days, such as Christmas Day, Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, the Day of Pentecost, and so on. There are hymns, canticles and prayers for each season of the Christian Year and special days. Under the theme of "Experience with Christ," there are resources related to repentance, confession and pardon, faith and justification, consecration and sanctification, assurance and consolation.
  • Themes under Community of Faith are: The Church, The Holy Scriptures, The Sacraments and Other Services, and Gather for Worship.
  • Christian Hope contains hymns and resources related to death, Resurrection and eternal life, the Church triumphant/communion of saints, and the second coming and reign of Jesus Christ.

Today, as in the time of Wesley, we may study the theology of our hymns, songs, and prayers in small groups, during devotions, or in worship. As we use hymns, canticles, and prayers that contain a spirit of joy and hope, we will truly be celebrating a "Christian fiesta."

Dr. Roberto L. Gómez is a clergy member of the Róo Grande Conference. He is currently pastor of El Mesías United Methodist Church in Mission, TX, where he resides with his wife and two daughters.