Inspired by Leah's return to blogging ( http://missleahmaria.blogspot.com ) i thought I should place some thoughts on screen. Last night a group of us went to see Les Miserables put on by the Townsville Choral Society. I was struck about how much of there is of a portray of Christians (something I'd never picked up before) there is in the musical. To begin with when the Convict Jean Valjean is released he is shown nothing but cruelty and hatred hardening his heart and looking to fight for what ever he can get. However he is broken of this by a Bishop who brings him in for a meal and a bed. Jean then repays him by stealing his silver. being brought back by the police the bishop admonishes Jean and says did i not tell you to take the candlesticks too. This act of Grace is turning point for Jean Valjean and a point where he fails to understand Why...
The bishop continues But remember this, my brother
See in this some higher plan
You must use this precious silver
To become an honest man
By the witness of the martyrs
By the Passion and the Blood
God has raised you out of darkness
I have bought your soul for God!
Whilst I don't agree fully with the practise of buying some one :) it is a nice little summery of our state in todays world.
If only there was more of that in todays media/entertainment.
Maybe thats a challenge to us to live as Christians in our day to day living and generosity to others- that we might show to others the grace that was shown to us.
The ending of the musical is probably my favourite part so i thought I'd share it.
Come with me
Where chains will never bind you
All your grief
At last, at last behind you.
Lord in Heaven,
Look down on him in mercy.
VALJEAN
Forgive me all my trespasses
And take me to your glory.
FANTINE & EPONINE
Take my hand
And lead me to salvation.
Take my love,
For love is everlasting.
VALJEAN, FANTINE & EPONINE
And remember
The truth that once was spoken
To love another person
Is to see the face of God!
CHORUS
Do you hear the people sing
Lost in the valley of the night?
It is the music of a people
Who are climbing to the light.
For the wretched of the earth
There is a flame that never dies.
Even the darkest night will end
And the sun will rise.
They will live again in freedom
In the garden of the Lord.
They will walk behind the plough-share,
They will put away the sword.
The chain will be broken
And all men will have their reward.
Will you join in our crusade?
Who will be strong and stand with me?
Somewhere beyond the barricade
Is there a world you long to see?
Do you hear the people sing?
Say, do you hear the distant drums?
It is the future that they bring
When tomorrow comes!
Will you join in our crusade?
Who will be strong and stand with me?
Somewhere beyond the barricade
Is there a world you long to see?
Do you hear the people sing?
Say, do you hear the distant drums?
It is the future that they bring
When tomorrow comes...
Tomorrow comes!
2 comments:
I have a friend in Les Mis... he's in the orchestra pit playing percussion though ^_^
Leesa Jackson and trent bell are both in the chorus. It was very good.
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