Embouchure

As those in band know, embouchure is the use of the lips, facial muscles, tongue, and teeth in playing a wind instrument. The word comes from the French root “bouche,” meaning “mouth.” Good embouchure allows for a better sound, a wider range of notes and less strain on the muscles.

How wind instrumentalists move their mouths directly affects the quality of music that comes out. I find this fascinating. Wind instrumentalists I have talked to about this say that after awhile correct embouchure becomes almost second nature. They come to know exactly what is needed to create a certain note without thinking too much about it.

Whether we know it or not, we are capable of a kind of Christian embouchure, a way of moving our mouths to elicit the beautiful sounds of the Gospel to a listening audience. We may not know exactly how we do it, but the Holy Spirit gives us the words to say in the proper way and at the right time to bring about the best result in the hearts of minds of others to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

We don’t need to be experts in Christian embouchure by any means, but we simply need to allow our mouths to utter the joyful noises of the Good News of our Savior, who came to earth to teach, preach, heal and even sacrifice himself for us. His mouth moved in such a way from the cross to utter, “It is finished!” At his ascension, his mouth opened to declare, “Peace be with you” and “I am with you always” to his disciples.

With trumpet sounds, Jesus will return to take us home to be with him in heaven, where we will open our mouths and sing with all the saints the glory of his name. Sing a song of praise in preparation for that day today. Play your praise on an instrument, if you know how.