MORMON SOPRANO

On Christmas Eve 1906, a 33-year-old university professor, and former chief chemist for Thomas Edison, named Reginald Fessenden did something long thought impossible. Using a new type of generator, Fessenden spoke into a microphone and, for the first time in history, a man’s voice was broadcast clearly over the airwaves:

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed…,”

Reginald Fessenden

He began in a clear, strong voice, hoping he was reaching across the distances he supposed he would. Shocked radio operators on ships and astonished wireless owners at newspapers sat slack-jawed as their normal, coded impulses, heard over tiny speakers, were interrupted by a professor reading from the gospel of Luke.

To the few who caught this broadcast, it must have seemed like a miracle. Some might have even believed they were hearing the voice of an angel. After finishing his recitation of the birth of Christ, a second miracle took place. Fessenden picked up his violin and played “O Holy Night,” the first song to ever be sent through the air via radio waves. Music had found a new medium, and the world would never be the same again.

Placide Cappeau

The Christmas song “Cantique de Noël“ has a fascinating history. A parish priest in Roquemaure, France commissioned the poem from Placide Cappeau. Mr. Cappeau enlisted the musical talent of his friend, the opera composer Adolphe-Charles Adam. The song was first performed for Christmas Mass, 1847 in Roquemaure. It took the American continent by storm during the Civil War, becoming an anthem of sorts for the abolishonist movement, due to the English translation of the final verse: 

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.

Adolphe-Charles Adam

Over the centuries, this Christmas song has been sung millions of times, in hundreds of languages. The carol has also gone on to become one of the entertainment industry’s most recorded and played spiritual songs.

Requested by a forgotten parish priest, written by a poet who would later split from the church, given soaring music by a Jewish composer, and brought to Americans to serve as much as a tool to spotlight the sinful nature of slavery as to tell the story of the birth of a Savior –”O Holy Night” has become, in my humble opinion, one of the most beautiful, inspired pieces of music ever created.

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video courtesy the MoTabChoir01 Channel

On the 25th Day of December…MoSop wishes you a Merry Christmas! as we pause to celebrate, rejoice, and remember.

The night of Jesus’ birth, shepherds near Bethlehem were tending their sheep. Suddenly the skies became bright:

 “And the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid… Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord”.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

As the angel spoke, a large Chorus of Angels appeared, praising God:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men”. – Luke 2:14

I love to think about those shepherds. The most miraculous and significant event yet to happen on earth would receive an official heavenly announcement! Who would God choose to hear theIS marvelous and important proclamation? Surely, there were so many to consider: The countless religious scholars who had studied the prophesies since youth. The faithful rabbi’s who taught their followers of the coming of the Messiah. And, the devout followers themselves, who had heard the prophesies and had been strictly keeping the Law of Moses.

However, our Father in Heaven looked down, and chose to send his Angel Messanger to the most unlikely recipients. A few humble men and women, who lived simple lives, and cared for sheep. These were people most often overlooked [and generally avoided] by society. However, social status has never been a requirement for revelation. God knew these shepherds. He knew their hearts, and must have known that he was choosing individuals willing to drop everything they were doing when they heard the clarion call. They would go ”with haste“ to Bethlehem to see “this great thing“. These shepherds would become sincere, life-long witnesses of Christ. They would eagerly proclaim what they had heard, and seen, and felt that night. In fact, they would do so with such simplicity, and power, and conviction, that “all that heard them would wonder at those things that were told them“.

The apostle Luke gives us a glimpse into the attitude of those chosen:

“And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them”.

The shepherd’s experience and testimony is still as relevant today as over 2000 years ago. It is now our opportunity to hear the shepherds story, and follow. We can hear the message of Jesus Christ proclaimed by the angel, and invitation to ”come and see“. Like them, we are urged to take action, and hasten to be near the Lord. We have the opportunity to rejoice in the birth,  life, and sacrifice of our Savior. And, like the shepherds, we can choose to recognize the blessings which we have recieved because of it, and “noise it all abroad“!

It is my prayer on this Christmas day that we will have cause to rejoice and glorify our God just like the shepherds of old! In celebration of this day, I have created a new MoSop Movie which illustrates a beautiful song by Jaroslav Vajda and Carl Schalk. (Close Captioning may be turned on or off)

“Where Shepherds Lately Knelt”

This video is available on MormonSoprano YouTube

Where Shepherds Lately Knelt Lyrics

1.
Where shepherds lately knelt and kept the angel’s word,
I come in half-belief, a pilgrim strangely stirred;
But there is room and welcome there for me,
But there is room and welcome there for me.

2.
In that unlikely place I find him as they said:
Sweet newborn Babe, how frail! And in a manger bed,
A still small voice to cry one day for me,
A still small voice to cry one day for me.

3.
How should I not have known Isaiah would be there,
His prophecies fulfilled? With pounding heart I stare:
A child, a son, the Prince of Peace for me,
A child, a son, the Prince of Peace for me.

4.
Can I, will I, forget how Love was born, and burned
It’s way into my heart unasked, unforced, unearned?
To die, to live, and not alone for me,
To die, to live, and not alone for me.

On the 24th Day of our December julibee…It is time for some Christmas Eve Carols to lighten your festivity!

Betelehemu

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Tchaikovsky’s Trepak from The Nutcracker Ballet

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The First Noel

On The 23rd Day of counting down, we’ve reached the Eve of Christmas Eve…

here is a story that warms the heart, and helps us to believe!

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The following anonymous letter arrived on the desk of President Thomas S. Monson in December 1998.

“Dear President Monson:

“I am a dentist by profession…my receptionist informed me that an acquaintance of hers was coming into my office. She had problems with two of her teeth. She knew this woman and told me of her circumstances. The woman carried many burdens. The family business, which she ran, was doing poorly and the family was three months behind in paying rent. They had five children, many grown into adulthood, but all had moved back home because of difficult personal circumstances. By sheer force of will, she had kept her family together for some time. Now two teeth were broken.

“The woman arrived for her appointment and explained about her dental problem. She asked if I would allow her to pay her bill over time. She explained to me that her family had experienced several financial reversals and were just recently starting to pay some overdue bills.

“I assured her that her credit was good with me. She asked if I could repair just one of the two broken teeth at that time. I assured her that I could, and we began.

“Since I had the time, I repaired both teeth, for which she was grateful. When the work was completed…I told her that if she would not be offended, I should like to make a Christmas present of the dental work, for which there would be no bill. She was astonished. I could sense the depth of the stress and strain she had carried, as uncontrollable tears of gratitude gushed forth due to a small, simple act of kindness. It must have been years since someone showed her some little favor. Not able to speak, she made her way out.

“Both my assistant and receptionist were so moved by her reaction that they also sprouted tears and could hardly speak. I, on the other hand, was doubly glad. One part, in seeing such a simple act have such a happy effect on another. And the second part, for once in my life having a patient in my office crying for joy, and not for pain!

“To you, my very best wishes.

“Sincerely,

“A brother in the gospel”

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President David O. McKay said:

“True happiness comes only by making others happy—the practical application of the Savior’s doctrine of losing one’s life to gain it. In short, the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit, that makes our hearts glow in brotherly love and friendship and prompts us to kind deeds of service.

“It is the spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ, obedience to which will bring ‘peace on earth,’ because it means—good will toward all men.”

There’s Christmas in the home and church,
There’s Christmas in the mart;
But you’ll not know what Christmas is
Unless it’s in your heart.

The bells may call across the snow,
And carols search the air;
But, oh, the heart will miss the thrill
Unless it’s Christmas there.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Gifts”

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Excerpts of a talk given in December 1998 by President Thomas S. Monson, then First Counselor in the Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, entitled: What Is Christmas?

On The 22nd Day of Christmas it’s time for something good to eat…MoSop shares several favorite recipes, choose your treat! 

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YE MERRY OLDE DIP (Toffee Apple)

Ye Merry Olde Dip

Something easy to make and take that’s delightfully different! 

1 package (8/227 g) cream cheese, softened

1/2 C packed brown sugar

1/4 C sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

10 ounces (284 g) crushed and crumbled English toffee

1 Large Red Apple, sliced

1 Large Green Apple, sliced 

Beat the cream cheese, sugars, and vanilla in a bowl. Fold in the English toffee. Serve with the Christmas colored apple slices for dipping. A  jolly good yule treat! 

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Christmas Crunch

Grandma June’s Christmas Crunch 

In a heavy pan over low heat, add the following:

2 Cubes Butter

1 C sugar

1/4 water

Stir continually. As soon as it begins to boil, remove from heat and cover with a lid. 

Let stand 2 minutes. Then, Add:

1/2 C chopped almonds 

Return to low heat, stir continually. Watch the color. When it turns to a darker tan, and slightly smokes, remove from heat and pour quickly onto a cookie sheet with a lipped edge. 

Cover hot mixture with:

1/2 pound chocolate: I like to use 1 bag chocolate chips, or you may break a large candy bar into little pieces. As the chocolate begins to melt spread it gently across the sheet with a spatula, until evenly coated. 

Evenly sprinkle on top of the melted mixture:

3/4 C ground walnuts

1/4 C ground peppermint candycane 

[Hint, lightly press down on the toppings with back of spatula,  to set them into the mix] Allow the tray to fully cool and harden. [Hint: I place the tray into my refrigerator overnight.] Then, break into pieces using a mallet or hammer. (the kids love this task)  

Wrap in cellophane with a ribbon, and give to all your friends and neighbors! 

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Santa's Brownies

Santa’s Brownies 

Here is the treat we always leave on a plate by the fireplace on christmas eve! 

2 C sugar

2 C flour

1 cube butter, softened

4 Tb. cocoa

1/4 C. oil

1 C water

1 C Buttermilk

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1 tsp. vanilla

2 eggs 

Mix sugar and flour well. Set aside.

Place butter, cocoa, oil and water in pan on med heat. Stir and bring just to a boil. Pour hot mixture slowly into the flour/sugar and mix until well blended. Add remaining ingredients, mixing well. Pour into large baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 min. Do not over-bake. Remove and cool. 

Santa's peppermint frosting

Santa’s Peppermint Brownie Frosting 

2 egg whites, unbeaten

1/4 tsp. cream of tartar

1/4 tsp. lemon extract

dash of salt

1 pkg. powdered sugar

1/3 C. butter softened

Red food coloring 

Beat first 4 ingredients until fairly stiff. Gradually add (about 1 Cup at a time) the powdered sugar and blend well.

Beat until completely smooth, scraping the bowl often.

Add the butter, and a few drops of red food coloring – beat well

Next, hand stir in crushed peppermint stick candy (hint: try using 1/2 red peppermint and 1/2 green starlight mint for an extra festive look) 

Frost Santa’s brownies, slice into squares, and  be sure to serve with milk! 

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Candy Cane Popcorn Balls

Candy Cane Popcorn Balls 

I saved the best for last! These popcorn balls are sure to become a favorite family tradition! [Hint: One batch is never enough!] 

Ingredients:

4 quarts popped popcorn

2 teaspoons water

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup light corn syrup

1/4 cup butter

2 cups sugar

24 miniature candy canes 

Directions:

Place popcorn in a large greased bowl or roasting pan; set aside. In a small bowl, combine the water, baking soda and vanilla; set aside.

In a heavy saucepan, combine corn syrup and butter; heat over medium heat until butter is melted. Add sugar; cook and stir until sugar is dissolved and mixture comes to a boil. Cook and stir until a candy thermometer reaches 230° (thread stage), about 2 minutes.

Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla mixture (mixture will foam) until blended. Immediately pour over popcorn, stirring to coat evenly. Cool for about 5 minutes, stirring several times. When cool enough to handle, firmly shape with buttered hands into 2-in. balls. Insert straight end of candy cane in the center of each ball. Yield: 2 dozen. 

These make great gifts for children to give, or receive. When guests are expected, hang several popcorn balls on your Christmas tree. They not only make great conversation pieces, they serve as fun and tasty party favors! 

“On The 21st Day of Christmas Countdown we contemplate the vision of Handel’s musical gift…combined with Isaiah, a timeless prophecy to uplift!”

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George Frideric Handel

This weekend Ed Reichel, music critic with The Deseret News, published an excellent article entitled “Hallelujah! Messiah is beloved holiday tradition“. It delves into the life of composer George Frideric Handel, and the story behind his famous Oratorio masterpiece:  “Messiah“. (including how the tradition started for the audience to stand during the “Hallelujah” Chorus)

Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without “Messiah.” But…”Messiah” was never intended as a work for the Christmas season. Its first performance occurred in April 1742 in Dublin as a benefit to free men incarcerated in debtor’s prison…

Reichel goes on to explain that Handel was, in essense, the ‘John Williams’ of his day. He composed trendy music for theater, and countless operas. When the popularity of his music dwindled, along with his bank account, a wealthy benefactor named Charles Jennens stepped up in the nick of time. This allowed Handel the chance to re-invent himself, and revive his career ala Oratorio. In 1741 Jennens gave Handel a libretto he had written. It encompassed the entire scope of Jesus Christ; using scriptures from the Old and New Testament. Handel’s reaction was nothing short of electric! He shut himself into a room in his home for 3 weeks, writing the musical score.

During that time, he never left his house and barely came out of his room. A servant who brought him his meals said, “He was praying, or he was weeping, or he was staring into eternity.”

Isaiah records his visions

I believe Handel and Isaiah share a common bond. Each bore their witness of Jesus Christ. Each received divine guidance and vision. Once their inspiration was written down, it would change the world. There is an amazing synergy of creative  power that these two great men were able to accomplish together, although centuries apart.

There can be no doubt that Handel was inspired when he wrote the music for “Messiah.” He admitted as much when he said about the “Hallelujah Chorus,” which he had just completed, “I did think I did see all Heaven before me and the great God Himself.”

During that three week period of intense creative communion, a great prophet, and a great composer channeled their devotion –  and the result is a timeless work of harmonic scripture. A musical prophecy, if you will, to guide our weary souls and promote heavenly peace, eternally.

by Liz Lemon Swindle

“Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign, Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light:…

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 

Isaiah 7:14,  9: 2, 6-7,

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So, why does the audience stand during the “Hallelujah” Chorus?

According to a contemporary account, King George II was present at the first performance of “Messiah” in London, and during the “Hallelujah Chorus” at the words “for the Lord God omnipotent,” the king was so touched by what he was hearing that he stood up. Seeing their majesty on his feet, the audience swiftly followed suit. That’s where the tradition to stand for this chorus originated.

“On the 20th Day of Christmas countdown, we make a little noise…
in poetic praise of cookies, bells, and other seasonal joys!”

Click to listen: “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” by The Philadelphia Brass

HALLELUJAH!

Merry Christmas – spicy smells
Sounds of joy, jingling bells;
Candy canes, mistletoe,
Popcorn strings, candleglow;
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Merry Christmas – snow-flocked trees,
Pinecone balls, cranberries;
Satin bows, stockings hung,
Cookie treats, carols sung;
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Merry Christmas – starlit skies,
Gingerbread, fragrant pies.
On the go, sharing fun -
Christ is born, the Holy One.

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by Berta Mason Kusik

“On The 19th Day of Christmas Countdown, MoSop celebrates her 20th Wedding Anniversary!

[I love you today Mr. Mo even more than I did on our wedding day]…

…and she shares some fun facts about the Nativity.”

“The only comet that fit the bill appeared in 5 BC, so it is possible Jesus was born five years before we thought he was, and he can’t have been a winter baby because this comet was only seen in the springtime…”

On The 18th Day of Christmas Countdown feel blessings from above …

while watching the ”Joy To Everyone“ music video, made with love!

On The 17th Day of Christmas Countdown, MoSop reminds us

what Christmas is all about, courtesy, Linus.

I’ve always loved the Peanuts Cartoon series. Creator Charles Schulz was smart. He knew that often it takes a child to be able to state the facts. There’s nothing quite so beautiful in simplicity. You’ve probably seen this video clip before, but as we face the last mad dash to complete our shopping and baking and party-going … it’s nice to be reminded.