Christmas Piano Recital

Out piano recital was earlier in December, but we had to learn how to get the video from the video camera to the computer.  Better late than never ;0)

We usually play in the church auditorium on a 9 foot Grand!, but this year we were in the choir practice room because the auditorium was set up for the Christmas music service. (The choir sang Vivaldi's Gloria and did an excellent job.)

We have a great teacher and have learned so much from her.  Thanks Mrs. M.

We each played three songs.  Here is Jacqueline playing Joy by Tom Geron.



Here I am playing Magnificent Monarch by Melody Bober.

Born To Die

We caught part of Polar Express over the weekend.  The animation is great.  Towards the end of the movie the train conductor tells the boy that the meaning of Christmas resides within him.

How utterly sad.

How hopeless.

How depressing.

How humanistic.

I've been meditating on Ephesians 1:4-5 the past couple of days.  It was used in the Sunday sermon.
               According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation
             of the world that we should be holy and without blame before
             him.
               Having predestinated [marked out beforehand] us unto the
             adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according
             to the good pleasure of his will.

Absolutely none, not one twinkle of time as we know it is accidental.  No event in the life of any human is accidental.  Before the world was created, before time began God marked out [predestined] the redemptive story.  All of history, every single event, is part of the redemptive story and is therefore predestined by Him. 

That means that before time began the Godhead marked out Christ to die.

He was born for the express purpose of dieing.

The meaning of Christmas is found in Christ alone.

My heart leaps  for joy as I ponder that.  Thank God the meaning of Christmas has nothing to do with me.

Written by Nikki

What Child Is This?

                                                                                                     

The Nativity, Philippe de Champaigne, 1643.

What Child Is This.

What child is this, Who, laid to rest, on Mary's lap is sleeping? 

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepards watch are keeping? 

Why lies He in such mean estate, Wherre ox and ass are feeding?

Good Christian, fear: for sinners here  The silent Word is pleading. 

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh, Come peasent,king, to own Him; 

The King of kings salvatin brings; Let loving hearts enthrone Him. 

THIS, this is Christ, the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing: 

Haste haste to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary! 

Words by William Dix

O Holy Night!

 

Nativity by Gerard Von Honthorst    

O Holy Night

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,

 It is the night of the dear Savior's birth;

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

 Till He appeared and the soul felt it's worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,

 For yonder breaks a new and glorous morn;

Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born! O night , O holy night,

 O night divine! 

Words by John S Dwight