It’s Christmas day, and music is filling my home with memories of past Christmases of joy and celebration. 2020 has been such a tumultuous year, but I am trying to “fight the good fight” with my spirits. I don’t really know why this Christmas season has brought back so many cherished memories of years gone by, but perhaps, it’s because we as Americans have fought so much with each other that I have started clinging to the times when people were more free to be joyous, loving, and care-free, at least for the Christmas season.
Last night, Christmas Eve, I began to notice that joy and caring once again in the musical performances I watched on You-Tube and the sweet voices of my church’s youth group. I began to realize that my yearning is not just mine; there are many people who feel the same way. It shows in their voices, their faces, their body movements, and even, in the songs they chose to perform.
The Georgian Singers, Mersey Wave Choir, and the Runcon Community Choir sang “You Raise Me Up” on May 8, 2020. A virtual choir of 1000 sang “In Christ Alone” on November 22, 2020. Both of these choral groups were coordinated by a moving camera that showed the expressions of the vocalists as their parts changed, creating a picture of individuals’ commitment to Christ. Millions of people have been sustained by the love of Christ.
The Hope Children’s Choir sang “Let There Be Peace” on July 4, 2020, and once again, that same Christian light shone on their angelic faces and sweet voices. On November 22, 2020, the Rise Up Children’s Choir and Thomas Rhett sang “Be the Light” as a reminder to us to be the light we all need to move forward into 2021 with hope, peace, and love. It is my fervent prayer that our children, in their passion and understanding, will grow into much more caring and loving adults than the world they see today. If their music is any indication of that knowledge, their future will indeed be filled with light, not darkness.
I am particularly partial to our military bands; my grandson is serving in the army. The United States Army band performed “Mary Did You Know” with soloist Christal Rheams on November 22, 2020. Her compassionate questioning of Mary showed as she lifted her soul towards a Christ child she cherished. That faith is what we need to truly love one another and the world we have been given. On December 15, 2020, the United States Navy Band performed “O Holy Night” with a magnificent female trio. The angels sang, “Glory to God in the Highest,” on that first night; the soprano soloist placed my heart right beside the Christ child. Although I can’t go down on my knees any more, I can surely stand and bring my love to the One who saved this lonely heart many times over.
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the MSO Virtual Choir of a 1000 voices performed “The Hallelujah Chorus” on December 18, 2020. There is no finer composition to describe our praise and gratitude to the Lord God Almighty than this historic piece. It truly sends the message that we are God’s children, and He will never forget us, even in the middle of a global pandemic and our doubts about the world.
What really made my heart soar was the voices of my church’s youth group. It was very difficult for me to attend any services this year, largely due to COVID, but I felt a more deeply felt pain. I have battled the spirits of memories throughout this season. I dare say I have cried more often than not because these spirits pulled on my heart strings. When I heard these young voices sing “Silent Night,” I remembered my mother. Her love has carried me through so many things; this night, she reached out to my heart once again. The night was cold and calm, but I heard her say, “As long as you love others, I will still be alive.”
My love of music and the pursuit of its’ powerful messages of love, hope, peace, and light lift me to the heavens and give my heart a bright path towards 2021. As long as we love one another, the Christ child will be born again and again. The ghosts of the past, the present, and the future will not control us, but they will remind us of our potentials. In a world illuminated by nuclear power, who needs the light of a simple candle, a beautiful Christ child? We all need His light. We can accept the past, surround the present, and remain open to the possibility of a better and brighter future. By being grateful for everything we have been given, happiness is truly possible.
Anna Hartt
