The perks to being in charge of the program is that you get to pick your favorite songs for the choir to sing. Another fun thing about it is that you get to ask people to sing that you love listening to, very talented singers ;). When I asked one of the soloists to sing, I asked her to think of a song that she absolutely loves to sing and get back to me. She did, and it happened to have Silent Night in it, which we were already singing for our closing song. I listened to the recording anyway, thought it sounded great, but didn't want to be repetitive with the same song. So she was very understanding when I told her, but when she said that she just super loves the spirit of that song, I felt a pang that maybe I wasn't making a good choice not having her sing it. So I thought about it and decided that we CAN have 2 Silent Nights in one program! One at the beginning and one at the end. I got this particular song (Silent Night is only the last half of the song) ok'd by the Bishop, and went to listen to her practice with the primary, who sings the "Silent Night" part, while she sings her solo. When I sat there and heard it for the first time, I was in tears. Her voice was amazing, and the Spirit that she and the primary children's voices brought was incredible. It was so much better than the recording that she'd sent me sung by a professional singer. I'm so glad I didn't go by that recording, and followed my feelings and her feelings instead. Anyways, I was in tears again today and was wiping my face right before we, the choir, were supposed stand and sing. Ah! Love those tears and truly beautiful music!
There's more I could say about this program, but I've got to close for today, just want to say that it was such a privilege to be a part of this beautiful praise to our Heavenly Father in this way. This is the best part of my Christmas this year. Anyways, here's how it went:
Sunday, December 20th 2015 Christmas Program
Emily Eby…….The Most Beautiful Story That’s
Ever Been Told
Narrator Brother Pead:
Today,
we remember one of the most miraculous stories in history, a true story about a
little babe who lived a long time ago.
Will the primary children please come forward?
Primary…...Stars are Gleaming,
Primary with solo by Amanda Tullis…….Silent Night
Narrator Brother Pead:
And it came to pass in those days, that there went
out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And Joseph also went up from Galilee,
out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is
called Bethlehem to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with
child.
Choir……..Nativity Medley
Narrator Brother
Waddoups reads while YW come up
Luke 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there,
the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped
him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room
for them in the inn.
Young
Women………..Baby in a Manger
Narrator Brother
Waddoups:
Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in
Bethlehem, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in
the east, and are come to worship
him.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said,
Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come
and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king, they
departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till
it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced
with exceeding great joy.
Men’s Quartet…. Lead Me, New Star, Lead Me (Brother Nay, Brother Ingles, Brother Tanzie,
Brother Pead)
Narrator
Brother Waddoups:
And the angel of the Lord came and said unto the shepherds
abiding in the field, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great
joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the
city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And
this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling
clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
praising God, and
saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Brianna Ingles……
Oh Holy Night
Narrator Brother Pead:
And
it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the
shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this
thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they
came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this
child.
Choir…….. Gesu Bambino
Narrator Brother Pead
During this season and
always, may we see the purity of the story of the Savior’s birth and feel
sincere gratitude for the matchless gift that was given, even His life, teachings, and saving
sacrifice for us. May this gratitude cause us to renew our determination to
follow Him. May it also lead us to draw closer to our family, our church, and
our fellowmen, and may we look steadfastly forward to that blessed day when the
resurrected Christ will walk the earth again as our Lord, our King, and our
blessed Savior.
Silent Night with congregation on 3rd verse
