Madrigals

I make fun of my own singing all the time. I'm no Bono, but, actually, at The University of Connecticut in the 80's, I was a bass section leader for the Concert Choir. People filled large venues to hear us perform Handel's "Messiah," Faure's "Requiem," Stravinsky's "Symphony of Psalms," Brahms' "A German Requiem," and Mendelssohn's "Elijah," to name of few masterpieces I had the privilege of performing in my early 20's. I was also a Madrigal, a member of small, select ensemble from within the choir that performed Baroque and Renaissance choral music, especially around Christmas.

For weeks in December, we performed for people in period costumes in a theatrical setting while they ate first rate meals. People paid well for these events, which were sold out far in advance. Even some of the food was authentic to the 16th and 17th centuries. I love these memories. My two loves at the time, music and theatre, combined into a labor-intensive, rewarding experience. The best part came from watching how much fun people had. It was a highlight of the season for many people. We sang from table to table and performed all manner of carefully scripted hijinks. We ended the evening with the best choral performances one can find in a large University setting anywhere. I'm not ashamed to say that I was proud to be a part of these troupes of performers. Though we were only students, we were a driven and able group. We did our best so that our audience/customers enjoyed themselves. I think these experiences help me understand the viewpoint of the angels on the night Christ was born. They put on a show for unsuspecting shepherds that had never been seen and will never be seen again. Luke 2:13-14 says, "Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.'" There's no way that the shepherds were too busy to notice, yet I wonder about us now. I wonder if the way we live our lives renders us deaf to the voices of angels.

Are you too busy to notice God's attempts to inspire you? Do you appreciate the heart and effort behind all that God does and plans for you? Do you know how much God loves you and loves to bless you?