I've figured out the most important single component in our celebrations of Christmas. It's music. Well, for me anyway.
Ever consider what the Christmas season would be like without that special music? As a small child (more years ago than I like to think about) when winter was well under way, one day I'd hear my mama playing Christmas carols on the old piano in the living room and thrill with excitement, knowing that miraculous, happy season was here again.
But it wasn't the thought of toys and goodies that warmed my heart. The culture was less affluent then, and so much more of the intangible, spiritual aspects of Christmas were stressed. Folks became merry and bright, not because of expectations of a fat elf coming down the chimney, but because God and sinner were reconciled. The festivity -- the music, the love, joy and peace that permeated many humble dwellings back then was infectious even to youngsters who didn't quite get the message, but would later on in life, and have deep, glowing memories of those Christmases past.
That beautiful Christmas music is, of course, still played and sung nowadays, but -- sigh -- we're moving about so frantically and there's so much more "stuff" in our lives that it's kinda hard to actually pause, listen, relax and reflect. Americans in that era "way back when" had much less money to spend for non-essentials, so there wasn't as much danger of folks shoppin' 'til they were droppin'!
So, anyway, I've always loved Christmas music -- especially the old traditional carols, and on Sunday evening my wife and I had the distinct pleasure and privilege of hearing a sumptuous presentation of this lovely Christmas music. We attended the annual "Hanging of the Greens" Christmas celebration organized and presented by North Orangeburg United Methodist Church. What a wonderfully unforgettable celebration it was! Hard to see how anyone could have left there without being filled with the "God bless us, everyone" Christmas spirit!
Many fine choral groups from schools in the area joined in this celebration. Our grandson, Hayden, is a member of one of them, the Marshall Elementary School Honors Chorus, directed by Ms. Linda Corry. We have heard some of their choral presentations in the past, and marvel at what Ms. Corry has accomplished with these young singers.
Along with Ms. Corry's group was the Clark Middle School Chorus, directed by Mrs. Gail Mack; North Orangeburg Children's Choir; Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School Chorus, directed by Mrs. Sheneice Smith; Choruses from Bethune-Bowman and Edisto schools and last but not least, The Claflin University Concert Choir, directed by Dr. Isaiah McGee
The music they poured forth was truly delightful. Each group was so special in its own unique way that no one could have chosen one above the other.
The last to sing was the Claflin University Concert Choir. They entered, in single file, slowly from the back, singing the beautiful "Carol of the Bells," finally standing around either side of the church sanctuary. Over the years, I've attended lots of concerts with large symphony orchestras, choruses and choirs, but never have I heard such ethereal, heavenly music, nor been transported by the sheer beauty to some higher realm beyond. Yeah, it was serious goose-bump time!
How wonderfully music expresses our joy of Christmas!
T&D Columnist Rush Button can be reached by e-mail at buttonrl@aol.com or by phone at 803-534-3724. His column appears every Tuesday. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.