The Gift of Music

My Christmas 2010 has been blessed with the gift of music.
My calling in church is choir director; Dallin is the choir accompanist. I started thinking about the Christmas program around Halloween and we began practicing that music in mid-November. We had a beautiful program, which included the Primary children, the choir, and a vocal soloist. The true spirit of Christmas was communicated through the sacred music.
As the wife of a musician I have also enjoyed hearing Dallin play at many events, mostly on violin, where I was his official page turner. Our ward had a Christmas devotional (instead of a Christmas party focused on Santa) with the theme "Come to Bethlehem" that yet again communicated through music the miracle of the Savior's birth, and our invitation to come and see.
We attended the popular and talented Colorado Mormon Chorale who gave a wonderful concert full of the message of the season. One of the treats during the time we visited my family was going to a musical theatrical performance called, "Savior of the World", which begins with Elisabeth and Zacharias being blessed with a son and ends after Christ's resurrection. The play was full of emotion as some of the most miraculous events in history were portrayed.
Dallin and I learned Christmas music on soprano recorders and shared it with others, including my family. Dallin played some Christmas mandolin, and I was privileged to hear him practice, at least ten times the Adolphe Adam piano accompaniment part for "O Holy Night" ( I never tire of that beautiful piece!)
When I was at home or in the car, almost without exception, I was listening to the local classical music station. The station focused on the sacred and traditional, and played amazing choral arrangements of some of the best loved Christmas carols through the ages.
I am so impressed by the plethora and quality of music celebrating the birth and mission and life of the Savior. What a blessing to hear these timeless favorites and their powerful message! What a gift to be reminded how in "once in royal David's city stood a lowly cattle shed" where the "little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head". How beautiful to remember the prophesies fulfilled, "baby Jesus will be born in a land far, far way...how blessed that are Lord was born, let earth receive her King." And the joy that comes in looking forward to the return of the Son of God as "King of Kings and Lord of Lords."