Remember, I invited you to go to the First Baptist Church of Richardson’s Christmas presentation of Carols – The Sights and Sounds of Christmas.  Now I am telling you that you must go, and be sure to take a friend.

The shootings at the elementary school in Connecticut this morning made me very very sad.  Whenever Ever-Lovin’ and I would begin to talk about it, I would cry.  As a former teacher, I felt for everyone involved – the little children who lived through the ordeal and have had their childhood taken away from them, the parents and community who have the responsibility of nurturing these scarred children, and the parents and loved ones who have had their precious children taken from them by evil.  I so identified with the teachers – this is every teacher’s worst nightmare.  To be honest, I also feel for our entire nation.  What a day of sadness.

Then I attended the musical presentation of Carols at First Baptist Church Richardson tonight and was reminded of the Light of the World – Jesus.  In our darkest hours, He is with us.  It did my soul good.

The concert was excellent.  Over 400 members of First Baptist Church Richardson were in this production.  I can not encourage you enough to go.  By the way, Hot Rod is in three parts of the production, and his mother Mikel is in the choir.  I am more than just a little bit proud.

Now the pictures were taken from afar, and in the dark with no flash, and through a smoky haze.  I know they are not great, but….

The first part of the program was filled with Christmas fun.  That is Hot Rod doing his thing.  He is so cute and loves being on stage.  During this part, there was a short visit from Santa (the picture was beyond too blurry).

If you are like me and think that the Dr. Seuss book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is one of the most wonderful books ever written, then you will love this portion of the program.  When the Grinch realizes that Christmas isn’t about things, and his heart grows three sizes, I want to stand up and cheer.  While I was teaching, sometimes we would read and reread this book during the holiday season.  I loved to see the children select this book to read during “free reading” time.  They would read it to each other with great expression.

The Children’s Choir joined the Celebration Choir in singing “Glory to God”.  Be still my heart.  Their sweet voices praising God was beyond wonderful.  Hot Rod is on the third row on the end. (I can’t help but tell you.)

When Fred, Craig, and Gerald sang “I Have Seen the Light”, I wanted to raise my hand in praise – truthfully, I wanted to stand up.  Now I am not generally a raise your hand or stand up type of person, but I love this song, and these guys are fantastic.  Dear friends Betty and Bob came tonight, and Betty said she felt the same way (before I even said anything).

The next part was The Nativity.  Yes, that is Hot Rod again.

Oh Holy Night was beautiful.

Angels in the baptistry.  Doncha just love it – some things never change.

How wonderful is this.  The three kings in all their finery worshiping Jesus.

The gospel story was told succulently and beautifully.  There was a new to me song at the end of the program call “A Baby Changes Everything.”  I really, really, really like it.  Just think how this Christ Child changed the world.

When the choir sings “Canticle of Joy”, I do love it.  By the way, that is Mikel on the back row sixth from the left.  It is a joy to watch her sing.  In fact, there are so many friends in the choir, and I am proud to know them.  Thank all of you for your hard hard work.

Blessings to you and yours,

Please, Please, Please, attend one of the two remaining performances.  They will be on Saturday, December 15th at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 16th at 3:00 p.m. You will be blessed.  I will be there.