Christmas in September?

I have an excuse.  What is yours, generic retailer?

Tonight the Chorale met, to begin rehearsing for our Christmas program.  I have been waiting 9 months for this.  Yes, we did have the pageant in August, and it was wonderful.  But it was the pageant, and not the chorale.  I am too tired to explain the difference.

We were few tonight. I am sure there will be more next week.  Lots of music, with more on the way.  How I love to sing praises to God.  I know that I am a broken man.  That I can sing to God is very humbling.  I have faith that He hears my prayers, whether in secret, or sung.

As is typical for a group that hasn't met for a while, we did some reminiscing about days past.  So many songs bring back memories of past concerts.  Whether it is The Birthday of a King, or Christmas Child.  We are singing both of these, and many more.

This Christmas, the chorale will be providing music for an evening of singing with those who labor in the Kansas City Missouri Temple.  If the dates work out, we will be singing in Paola as well.  We always treat the chorale right.  Lots of cookies and  treats!

When I first joined the chorale in February of '04, I felt very awkward, and that I had no business singing with such a wonderful group.  I have come to feel very comfortable with the group.  We closed with a special song.  It was the song that I remember closing every practice with for years.

It was arranged by Larry Beebe, and was written by his wife, and the chorale director, Alice Beebe.  It is titled A Choir's Prayer.

We love the word of God
And come with grateful hearts
To join our voices with the throng
And do our chosen part

 Together as one voice
We'll sing the sweet refrain
With angels and this earthly choir
We'll praise his holy name.

 This call we do accept
We'll gladly hold the rod
And share the gospel with the Saints
Through this, a choir of God.

Even though until tonight I have not sung this recently, it is my promise to God, to always sing with gratitude, testifying of His Son.  I hope that this offering is acceptable to Him.

Who doesn't love Christmas music?  And while Christmas ornaments, gifts, and trimming may be too soon in September, it is time to get working on the music for December.  Christmas isn't that far away, and there is rehearsin' to be done.

The music for this song, the songs mentioned above, and many others can be found at https://www.hymns.com/

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