With a worship theme of eternity, we have choral sections reflecting upon this. Robert Frost’s poem “Choose Something Like a Star” speaks to an attempted dialog initiated by humanity to a star. It ultimately evokes a transcendent state of mind as the reader arrives at the reminder that the star “asks of us a certain height, So when at times the mob is swayed, To carry praise or blame too far, We may choose something like a star, To stay our minds on and be staid.” Randall Thompson’s skillful musical setting of this poem, which has become a keystone of choral literature, reflects the emotional journey of the poem with its pleading octaves, choral homophony, and striking harmonies.

The lyrics for Brett Dennen’s “Heaven” speak to the interconnection of humankind beyond divisions of class, creed, and borders. The refrain of the song asks questions probing the nature of the connection between heaven and humanity. In seeming frustration, it first asks, “What the hell is heaven?” Continuing, “Is there home for the homeless?” “Is there hope for the hopeless?” All the while providing unspoken clues in the chord choices as the progression shifts from minor to major resolutions, providing a feeling of unspoken and yet realized hope.

—Chris