As I write, we’re watching the Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Featuring Sissel. Sissel, of course, is the Norwegian sensation whose credits include the haunting soundtrack for Titanic. She’s amazing in tonight’s beautiful performance. Not only is her singing marvelous, but the readings she does, mainly from the scriptures, are read with such beauty, joy, and conviction that I can’t help but believe that she also believes these things and celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ as her Savior and King. If so, that’s tremendous.
Family members tonight are commenting on the beautiful dance blended with music, and the diverse cultural elements of many recent Church-sponsored performances such as tonight’s masterpiece. So much of what we’re seeing seems to show the touch of President Hinckley, a truly progressive leader whose appreciation of media and the arts has done much to invigorate culture in the Church and to add vitality and interest to Church productions. Even the classy outfits of the Tabernacle Choir, compared to the dullsville robes from past days, seem to reflect his touch.
Will these media-savvy and pro-cultural touches remain in place for years to come? I sure hope so. This is a wonderful era for the Church, and a wonderful time to enjoy the many wholesome opportunities that the Church provides for us and the world. And it seems like a great time for Mormons who love the arts.
And yes, right now is the most wonderful time of the year, the time we remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ (even if we do think it was actually in April, not December). Merry Christmas, everyone!
Warm Christmas greetings from the UK to you and to your family Jeff. =)
Thanks, NM!
Hi There Jeff – or rather Hi again 🙂 I have sent you a mail earlier, but that’s several years ago now, so Im sure you don’t remember the greetings I sent you from Norway – well, I don’t blame you since I hardly remember myself 🙂
Well, anyway, as a member of the church in Norway, and a fan of your website I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of the Mormon Tabernacle choir, as I also watched the Christmas program with Sissel, who as you mentioned is a quite popular singer here in Norway. They actually did send excerps(?) from the concert on national television here in Norway last saturday evening which of course is prime time!
That was actually more or less the only christian program sent this Christmas on any of the tv-channels, but what a good choice it was 🙂
It really was a beatiful concert, and Sissel did a really good job herself. I really do hope that someone either from the choir or something got the chance to tell her a little bit about our church, cause it’s really not that known here in Norway.
Anyway – have a merry Christmas Jeff, and a blessed and healthy new year! 😉
– Dan, still from Norway 🙂
It’s Christmas again!! A time to cherish the beautiful white snow, smiling snowman, brightness of the Christmas décor and the yummy candies and cakes! From November onwards it becomes impossible to forget that Christmas is coming. Well to be honest I personally wait for it so that I can return home to meet my parents and girlfriend of course!
With the passage of time lots of things about the celebration of Christmas has changed. I still remember when I was a kid, mom use to wait near the phone so that she becomes the first one to pick my brother call. We all use to have a fight as who is gonna be first to talk to him. Then I use to visit my relatives and friends with my parents who stayed near by.But now the net world has changed everything, especially the ecard trend. It’s so easy now to connect with our loved ones especially when you have so many ecard sites! One of free Christmas ecard site Being a new website meme4u.com really has fresh and cool greetings. The best part is if I write too meme4u.com regarding some card or idea they do take it seriously. Although the site has several errors but meme4u.com cards are really cool! So guys why don’t you check it out, you will also get the right ecard you are looking for! And if any one of you knows any other fresh ecard website do let me know!
To perceive Christmas through its wrappings becomes more difficult with every year. ~ Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for 2010