Let the Holidays Begin.

We had a wonderful choir practice today after church. While our choir is normally on the smaller size, today we had more than 20 people show up for choir rehearsal. What a difference a crowd makes. We only have a short time to learn the songs for Christmas but with the range of voices and talents we had in that room today, I'm sure we will know the music in no time at all.

One of the songs our choir director selected is one of my favorites - Were You There on That Christmas Night by Natalie Sleeth. The words are moving and the music is simplistic but so lovely. The choir sounded so good today and I'm excited to sing this piece with them.

I have an affinity toward Natalie Sleeth's music. Several years ago, as some of you may remember, I was a member of a large choir - the Washington Family Singers - and our wonderful choir director Sheena Joyce loved Natalie Sleeth and we performed many of the songs she wrote. But I think this piece is my favorite of all the ones we learned. Too bad my blog doesn't include sound, but I think you'll be able to get the spirit of the words as you read them:

Were you there? Were you there?
On that Christmas night.
When the world was filled with a holy light.
Were you there to behold as the wonder foretold came to earth?

Did you see? Did you see?
How they hailed him King?
With their gifts so rare that they choose to bring?
Did you see how they bowed as they praised Him aloud at his birth?

Did you hear how the choirs of angels sang at the glory of the sight?
Did you hear how the bells of Heaven rang, all through the night?

Did you know, did you know it was God's own son?
The salvation of the world begun?
Did you know it was love that was sent from above to the earth?
Did you know it was love that was sent from above to the earth?

If you have never heard this song before, Google the title and listen to some of the videos on line.

As if choir rehearsal wasn't enough, tonight I went to a fireside at our stake center to hear Senator Orrin Hatch speak (or should I say Brother Hatch). He is always a dynamic speaker and tells some wonderful stores regarding his faith and the people he comes in contact with. It was disappointing that so many people missed the opportunity to hear this stalwart member of our church speak up close and personal.

Even though it's not quite Thanksgiving, I give thanks for the start of this holiday week as it leads into the Christmas season. It's days like today that makes us remember what the season is truly about.