Merry Christmas everyone!

As I enjoy a quiet afternoon and evening here at Mom’s house, I have a chance to catch up some things here on the blog. The first thing that comes to mind is the worship. Wow! I do hope these folks appreciate the wonderful pastors, musicians, instrumentation, talented singers, and lovely worship environment they have here. It just blows me away…

In fact, at the first notes of the opening hymn today, I found tears on my cheeks.  It was from hearing the pipe organ joined with the church band (not the happy clappy type of band) made up of teens and adults playing brass, wood wind, and even drums to accompany our singing. So gifted are they that their first joint rehearsal was before the service today! Very nicely done, all!

Of course, the highlight of my Christmas worship will be once again getting to join the choir and other choir ‘alumni’ in singing the “Hallelujah Chorus”. I started up the stairs following the sermon in order to allow myself enough time to get up to the choir loft and catch my breath before singing. Those who have sung before are invited to participate and folks were streaming in around us. I wish I could have seen behind me but didn’t dare turn around or I’d cry some more! Even the director was crying a bit as he lead us through the Chorus. I once expressed my dismay to our organist at FG that I’d probably never get to sing that anthem again, and now I’ve done it a couple of time at FG. Worth the climb!

…and He shall reign forever and ever!