Transformed for a moment…

I am sitting here in the office listening to David Phelps' ‘O Holy Night’ and what an inspiration it is. In fact, I am literally moved to tears and in awe of what the human voice can accomplish. It may be cold and grey outside but right now all of that is transformed. Suddenly the heart and soul are warmed. No! set on fire. Bursting with an intensity and vitality as the Christmas message is proclaimed and moments and minutes are changed. For four minutes and forty-nine seconds my office has been transported to another time and place and the power of that moment is so real. Music has the power to do just that and, when you add inspired lyrics, everything changes. There is hope. There is joy. There is peace and there is love. This indeed is the message of Christmas, so can you imagine that first Christmas. If I can be moved by a single character singing and be transfixed for almost 5 minutes, what would it have been like for the shepherds when…

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.’

Hope. Joy. Peace. Love.