Two Decembers ago, the lyrics to the seasons famous song O holy night, had never hit me so literaly, as it did the day we sang it to a crowed of mourning, hopeful hearts.
It was my first Christmas tour with my outstanding new choir at school. We had woken up in our warm hotel beds, and prepared ourselves for what would come to be one of the best Christmas memories of our lives. As we piled onto the bus, with hot cocoa in hand, the excitement of what the day would hold, couldn't be contained. Our first stop would be a few locations on Temple Square, and then to the Relief Society building, where we would have the incredible opportunity to sing for the General Young Womens President.
After a succesful morning round, we piled into the beautiful, feminine, warm relief society building. As we assembled ourselves in their great gathering room, Sister Dalton wasn't anywhere in sight, but without further adu, we becane our routine. Half way through our first song, she walked through the doors, and we were greeted by the most beautiful spirit many of us have ever encountered. As she came in beaming from ear to ear, she began to express her excitment for our arrival. After making sure all the parents and her councilers had been seated, she took a seat herself and beckoned us to continue. We finished our program, and with tears in her eyes, she thanked us, humbly and gratefully. She then proceeded to talk with us for over an hour. There were many inspiring, and heart warming things she said to us on this cold December day..but the one that stuck to all our hearts the most, was "You know how I knew you were here? It was before I heard your singing.. I could feel a powerful presence of Angels." She expressed to us, that as we sang the beautiful songs portraying the most important Christmas story, we, personally, sang with angels.
After a tearful goodbye, and many pictures, it was time to head over to the Primary Childrens hospital, where we soon would discover what exactly she meant.
scuttling from the bus through the revolving door, we found ourselves reassembling near the emergency entrance. We were surrounded by glass walls which held the cafeteria, and many of our soon to be audiance. In front of us, behind our director, was a check in counter, and two hallways. We were in prime location for our voices to be carried throughout the halls, and even up the stairs. With joy in our hearts, and humility overwhelming us, we began our program once more..We triumphantly made it through each song.. (Which was excurtiatingly hard, considering the lyrics and our current venue..) until it was time for one of our number "O holy night."
I was standing in the back, tears all ready streaming down my face, while the soloist sang the first verse. 'O holy night.. the stars are brightly shining, it is the night of our dear saviours birth..' As beautiful as this was, I don't think anything could have prepared us for what was soon to happen. Standing in the middle of all the men, a blaring sound vibrated my entire being as they began their beautiful and life changing harmony of the first chorus. "FALL on your knees... O hear, the angel voices!" At that moment, I will NEVER forget the powerful presence of angels among us. As the men sang these beautiful divine lyrics, I found my own body litterally falling to my knees in humble gratitude and overwhelming joy. Every person in that room, or in ear shot, felt Gods direct, and divine love at that moment. Nobody, could deny what was happening. There was not a dry eye in the whole room.
As we sang this song, and many others, in a place filled with broken hearts, lost hopes, and aching families, there overcame a masterful, unmistakable feeling of peace. God lives! He was born! and because of His great sacrifices WE can live again.
NEVER, will I forget the time we sang with angels. And the healing they provided for these people who gathered in a place nobody wants to be..especially around the holidays. Its strength and power will forever be in my heart...
As I recall upon it Christmas after Christmas..after Christmas.
(Regretfully I don't have a version of my choir singing this beautiful renition of 'O holy night', but I found the next best thing. ;) Il Divo.
( I wish they would have sang all the versus.. they are all so beautiful.)
My friend Jadon after he sang his solo of "Mary did you know."
... incredible.
Our group, and her. She is somewhere in the middle.
Mr. Reimer and Sister Dalton
This sweet little guy came and watched us the whole time, he touched a lot of hearts that day..
Primary childrens gathering
A day I will never forget.
