Feelings of "Alleluia"

December is off to the races! This first week of December has been a blur of rehearsals and performances, but it isn't over yet. I performed my recital "Alleluia" in Douglasville on Wednesday night. It was quite well attended and the folks there were so kind in welcoming me. Ben and I received a standing ovation and so I got to perform my encore "O Holy Night" which of course is everyone's Christmas favorite.
Last night, I sang at The Festival of the Nativity. What a lovely experience! I appreciated how well organized everything was, but that was nothing compared to how beautiful the nativity sets were. I was moved to tears several times by the beauty of the music and the spirit of Christmas that I felt there. I was also so pleased to see so many friends and family who came to hear me sing. I am always grateful when I am able to share the gifts with which God has so richly blessed me with those around me. It is the reason I love to perform so much!
Tomorrow will be The Michael O'Neal Christmas concert with the Atlanta Symphony Brass Quintet. I just love a good brass quintet! This concert is really great. And the Poulenc Motets are to die for!
Then, I have one more week to prepare for my recital at Ragamuffin Music. I am looking forward to another opportunity to share this recital. I have put a webpage together so ya'll can see the program, hear me singing a snipet of it, and order tickets (www.ambersalleluia.blogspot.com).
As I was putting together the program, I found myself being drawn to music and carols that had to do with Mary and the Baby Jesus, specifically those that speak of Mary's tender feelings toward her child, her amazement at being the mother of this "man, yet very God". I suppose as a mother of three, I can relate to those feelings. I have always been amazed at the miracle of motherhood and am so grateful to be able to hold my babies, sing to them, and see God in their eyes. What a priviledge it is for me to be able to represent Mary in expressing her feelings through the songs on my recital "Alleluia". I hope that everyone I have told about this recital will make an effort to spend next Saturday night with me. I pray that all in the audience will be touched by the beautiful music and that it will truly set the tone for a Christ-filled Christmas. Music is meant to elevate us to a higher level. We can express emotions through music that cannot be felt using mere words. That is why I sing!