As many of you know, I am connected, all be it loosely, with Sing Noel. It has been a very long journey from September till this first week in December, but we made it. Last night was our first performance, or should I say their first performance. I just stand around and watch. Well and listen too. The time spent has been most valuable. Not only in seeing the production coming together, but for the marvelous sound that was producted with the number of times the Choir had to sing each piece to get it in shape for last night. I had to admit that once they began to sing, the heavens seemed to open, and others joined in those sweet melodies.
We of course missed Bishop Kenneth Mallett at the podium as narrator, but I have to say Elder Bob Banfield did an outstanding job and his delivery was most effective as he set the stage for the Choir to sing their next piece of music. Elder Lenny Zinn did a superb job of directing, and I believe everyone in the choir loved working with him this year. Sister Melodie Kunz once again delivered a wonderful script with beautiful videos to bring a special spirit to the entire evening. The audience was most appreciative, and it was gratifying to see so many come up to the Choir Members and express their thoughts on the production. There will be another performance Sunday Evening. I do hope more will hear about it and come to this wonderful program.
Christmas I know is ment to be a time of merriment and lots of fun, good food and comradery, but it is always great to have things like Sing Noel to bring us back to the 'reason for the season'. As the Prophet put it, drop the last cylible of the word and you have Chirst. That is what it is all about. Though we as Latter-day Saints know that our Savior was born in the spring of the year, it is nice to have this time of year to remember such a momentous event in time. One just seems to think of the lonely Shepherds on the hills with their sheep on a cold crisp night. Their robes wrapped tightly around them as they watch over their flocks in the dark. What a spectacular sight that Star must have been. Lighting the sky and the surround area. Pointing the way to the stable where the little family was huddled together. I can't help but think of the man who had accepted the responsiblity of 'fatherhood' to this wonderous little 'babe' who laid in the humble bed of hay. How he had protected that sweet young mother as she carried and delivered this child. It would seem that the love of this man was most special. His willingness to be witness and to carry out the reponsibility of seeing this infant raised to go forth on his great mission. We seldom think of Joseph, but I like to remember him as a very important part of the Chirstmas Story.
Which makes me think of the many young families everywhere who have taken on the great task of brining children into this world and helping them find themselves through the many trials and adventures that await them as they pass through life. I am pleased to see the young husbands take an active part in the process. It is so important to have both parents envolved in raising children. Husbands and wives need to remember their spouses in loving and tender ways, like Joseph treated Mary. Willingly protecting her in a very serious cituations. I am sure he used soft words and tender touches to let Mary know that he was supporting her in every way. A soft word can be such a help in difficult times. In our everyday lives, it seems we are quick to lose patience and say things that may hurt, but, if we follow Jospehs example, we could avoid such moments and remember that as Joseph and Mary were 'called' to this great experience, each of us, seek out a mate whom we feel we can spend and eternity with. Should we not then strive to emulate the great example that Joseph and Mary set for us. Mary was quick to accept the charge of being the mother of Jesus. Joseph just as quickly accepted his part in the drama that was about to unfold to mankind. Though our 'call' is not as historic, we are never the less ment to met the challenges with just as much thought and effort as they did.
During this season, much love is expressed, and effort made to seek out things that will gladden the heart. It would be something if we could carry some of the spirit of Christmas with us 24/7 during the 365 days we have each year. Mothers finding the sweetness of Mary toward their children and the great appreciation for their husbands. Husbands to find the great strength that Joseph found in his 'calling' to be the father of such a great individual. We never know, we may be raising another leader or great talent. Fathers take over the charge to see needs are met in the family, but in doing so he must never forget that a womens work is never done and putting aside small things to express support will bring rich dividends.
We live in a fast paced world. We are warned and fore warned that times will soon change and we will have to be prepared to meet all the challenges that lay ahead. We will find the support at home one of the greatest blessings we have. Extended families lend help at times, and need to be appreciated for their willingness to step in when that help is needed. Repaying such kindness should be a paramount part of our family relationships. I can remember how greatful we have been over the years for the help my parents extended to Jay and I as we were getting started. They gave us the down payment for our first home. It wasn't a great amount according to todays standards, but it was far more than we had, and made such a difference in our lives. I will admit it wasn't easy to pay it back as fast as we would have liked, but we had learned well the addage, "neither a borrower or lender be". Having that responsibility lifted was such a great blessing. I guess with both of our parents families being raised in such poor circumstances we realized that that help had been gathered and hard come by years of frugalness and in some cases doing without personally. Mary and Joseph probably never had such support in their lives. Aren't we pleased to know that times have changed, but never forget they may change back. There are many lessons to be learned.
Well Christmas is upon us again, and like so many 'good things' in life, will just as quickly go as it has come. Our part is to take what blessings there are in store for us this year, enjoy, appreciate and then set ourselves towards a New Year that will give us more wonderous opportunities to grow and become all that we can be. Life is all too short to spend time looking back. My goal this next year is to follow the brethern. Get out of debt and get supplied to take care in any eventuality that may occur. I guess the years of working in both Boy and Girl Scouting has rubbed off on me; I want to 'be prepared'. I wish the same for each of you.
Written this 11 day of December 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg
No comments:
Post a Comment