It isn't Christmas until. . .

. . . the organ at St. Anne's Episcopal church in Annapolis, Maryland sounds forth loud and clear "O Come all Ye Faithful". . . on Christmas morning around 12 a.m. THEN, and only then, is it Christmas.

I am doubly blessed - possibly triply blessed - probably infinitely blessed. I have the privilige of being allowed to sing with several outstanding groups of people. Each group differs in many ways - none of them is less than the others.

First, as most of this blog is devoted, is Live Arts Maryland - the Annapolis Chorale. Several versions of that group: The Annapolis Chorale, The Chamber Chorus of the Annapolis Chorale, and one little pick up group - referred to either as "The Bag Ladies" or, as my favorite trumpet player suggested - "The Chamber Maids". I kind of like that last one :)

These groups are an amazing synergy of people who are devoted to music, orchestra players equally devoted, and led by a supremely devoted Maestro (no one really has a clue how devoted - but when you think he goes regularly from the Kennedy Center gig to us and still smiles about it - you know he wouldn't waste his time on something he didn't love). Each person brings the offering they have. It's the contrast between the widows mite and the Pharisees. . .she gave all she had. Some of us have more to bring than others - and the value of what we bring is valuable indeed. My Christmas season usually begins some time in November when I start rehearsing Messiah and various other Christmas items. . .and it's good - it's really good. I always try to step back and understand what is happening around me. Especially when we sing our last strains of Messiah into our carols. I look around me and I marvel that I get the privilege of participating. They do not need me - but I really need them.

The other group with which I sing is the St. Anne's choir. Weekly - through spring, summer, winter and fall - they show up. They sing music that typical church choirs that I have heard might not be able to tackle. They vary in age from people in their mid 30's to as old as in late 70's. Again - think about the widows mite - they each bring what they have and offer it to the Lord on a regular basis. None of them are perfect. Each of them show up faithfully to perform their service to the Lord. Not all of us can be acolytes or ushers or deacons - but the contribution we make to worship is valuable beyond count. People often show up at our church simply because of the music.

At Christmas they go beyond the call because they know they contribute to the worship experience of the congregation. They do a fantastic job. They are there because Jesus was born and it's their privilege to proclaim it in song. Never forget that the reason we all sing is because of the birth of our Lord. There is nothing more beautiful than seeing a woman in her 70's glow with Christmas joy because our director thinks enough of people to not put them out to pasture to create the "perfect" product. I think it is perfect - a perfect blend of people who are somewhat more well heeled, professionals, and those whom we love simply because we love them. They sing because they must sing to welcome the birth of our Lord.

And Christmas is with those people, in a crowded choir loft, singing hymns, worshipping, and forgetting my own ego and the troubles of the world and rejoicing in the simple gift of music, friendship, and salvation.

And THAT is Christmas. . .