I can’t really say I’m feeling very “merry” this Christmas. I’m just grateful for my health, my home, and my work.
I am grateful for my husband and my children and for our collective efforts to create a cheerful home despite the fear and frustration that continues to plague us for so many reasons.
I am encouraged by the defiant sense of cheer I see on my friends’ social media pages. I can say that my heart is full and that this time of year is sacred. Rather than blindly wishing “merriness” on folks, I just want you to know how much I miss you.
I desperately miss singing with a room full of friends and family. I miss group hugs. I miss the glorious energy of crowds of happy loved ones. I miss my mom. I miss my people, my blood relations as well as chosen family. I miss my choirs. I miss the physical presence of my colleagues and mentors. Plus, I know there are many who are sick or grieving, who are lost, who are lonely. There are some of us who haven’t been lovingly touched by anyone in months or even years.
The pandemic is not the only calamity upon us. Still, I have hope. I’ve glimpsed peace in these last weeks. I’ve had some joy. And I know love is present even when it’s hard to see and feel. My faith teaches me during the season of Advent to humbly watch, wait, listen, and be ready for the birth of love in our hearts. But my faith also teaches me that the season of Christmas is the time to celebrate the inevitable birth of that love, the fact that love comes into the world and into our hearts even in the darkest of times.
May this Christmas season be a time when love’s birth in our hearts is recognized and celebrated even in the darkest, coldest night.
May you be inspired and blessed as we take time this week to give thanks for the loved ones whose presence we keenly feel, even when we’re apart.
Conducting
My Harvard-Westlake students and I worked extremely hard this semester to produce our December Virtual Choir Concert. I couldn’t be more proud of our work! I LOVE this show, and I think you will, too. Check it out here!
Singing
We needed one more song for our Neighborhood Church Christmas Eve virtual service, so I’m so excited about our simple a cappella rendition of “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” with tibetan chimes. Sometimes things just come together.
The entire service took place and was streamed live on Christmas Eve at 5pm. Check out the church and see what else is coming up:
Composition
Kwanzaa Service
On Sunday, December 27 at 10am PST, videos of my two compositions “Umoja” and “Kujichagulia” will be shown as part of the Neighborhood Church Kwanzaa-themed virtual service. In addition to my music, the service will feature music by Black composers George Walker, Joshua Uzoigwe, and Ysaye Barnwell. Plus, I’ll give you an in-depth look at my Kwanzaa decorations for this year.
Members of the group Neighborhood People of Color will offer readings, and our friend Rev. Dr. Kikanza Nuri-Robins will deliver an inspirational sermon titled “A Season of Lights.” Check it out here:
For Fun
Since we grew so fond of our giant spiders from Halloween, we decided to have them join us for Advent and Christmas. After all, we always enjoy having lots of “special guests” around the house during the holidays. (See pics)
