I was a little discouraged this last week. The constant public barrage against Christians and Christian values get wearing and wearying. This last week the governor of Washington allowed a sign ridiculing religion and christianity to be placed next to the nativity scene in the capitol at Olympia. It seems you cannnot say anything publically negative against anything-except Christians. Then a shot of reality-of all places-in downtown Portland. Carol and I went to town on the Max and to observe and listen to 200 tubas, sousaphones, baritones, euphoniums play the old Christmas carols. Not Rudolph the you-know-what or Frosty the Snowman. Silent Night and Come all ye Faithful. Beautiful and Moving. I wish my Alaska friend, baritione player Russ could have been there. It turns out that this is a world wide event.
The director is an octogenarian who was for years the principal baritone player for the Portland Symphony. He knew his stuff and demonstrated and told us much about the different instruments. He obviously chose the most traditional of Carols. Reminded me of another friend Wally.
The inspiration and encouragement came -like Christmas itself-from a simple act. He repeatedly turned to the crowd of 1000's and had us sing along. There in the most liberal of settings we sang Silent Night, O Come all ye Faithful, Hark the Herald Angels, etc. I admit a tear rolled down my cheek and a prayer of thanks flew from my heart.
The director is an octogenarian who was for years the principal baritone player for the Portland Symphony. He knew his stuff and demonstrated and told us much about the different instruments. He obviously chose the most traditional of Carols. Reminded me of another friend Wally.
7 comments:
Merry Christmas Bob and Carol! I hear you on this, Bob. We too, are tired and discouraged about the ridicule and negativity! Have a Blessed Christmas and a Very Happy New Year. So very glad you could enjoy the music and fellowship! Jann and Gary (Leahs parents)
Hey! Next year let us know- we'll go with you!!
:-) Leah
Well written Dad! Sounds just like your kind of thing, you always have been such a lover of music (something that has been passed down to your grandkids). I do just love it at Christmas time when the secular stations play our songs...I'm sure it makes God smile just like it does me.
wlandThanks, Dad. Just reading that makes a tear want to roll down my cheek too. I love it that the TRUTH of Christ's coming rang out in Portland, Oregon...may it continue all over the earth this Christmas season.
The carols have been so powerful for me this year. We will be singing O Holy NIght on Christmas Eve, the words are amazing...they are powerful and TRUE.
Did you already go on your anniversary trip to Olympia?
Love,
Marla
Have to admit when I heard you were going I didn't think it would be this big of deal. We'd love to go to it next year too.
Love ya,
Matt
Thanks everyone for the comments. Merry Christmas to Jan and Gary!
I check the blog every couple of days and really enjoy it--just weak on leaving feedback as always.
Great story but even more impressed with you writing--very well done! And how is the writing class going?
Marty
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