Has it truly been a year? Has time really flown so fast?

It certainly has, and I hope it has been a great year for everyone!

It is that time again. Time for the annual “Christmas Carol Sing-a-Long”, which will occur on Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. at New Covenant Church on Homochitto Street.

It literally feels like just yesterday when folks gathered together and lifted their voices to sing the joyous songs of the Christmas season.

Once again, song sheets will be provided for everyone, and it is broken down into three sections: Popular, Contemporary and Sacred.

It is truly a thrill when a room full of people join together and sing the strains of “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”, one of the most popular of all the Christmas songs. In fact, it is also referred to as “The Christmas Song”, and was made famous by the likes of Mel Torme (who was the composer) and Nat “King” Cole.

We will sing the merry tune of “Frosty the Snowman” and do a little wishful thinking with “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”

And we couldn’t leave out “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” which was introduced to the public by Gene Autry. The song was based on a little booklet that was produced for children by a large department store in New York City. And, of course, it was forever immortalized by the television special of the same name and which featured the talent of Burl Ives.

How about “Silver Bells”? Yes, we’ll be doing that one! And along that same genre’, “White Christmas”, both which were made famous by the vocal styling of Bing Crosby.

So you see, there will be no shortage of classic, fun and enjoyable Christmas tunes to sing.

We have only scratched the surface, though.

The Sacred section is in a class all its own. And it should be, as those pieces truly reflect the true Spirit of the Season.

“Hark the Herald Angels Sing”, “Joy to the World”, “Silent Night”. All beautiful songs which we have all grown up with and have messages that speak to us about the birth of Christ. It is awesome hearing the assembly singing out these wonderful and traditional hymns.

As a special this year, I have asked a couple of locals to lend their talents to the program.

Courtney Hicks and her son, John Ashton, will be guest vocalists!

I am so excited that they will be singing. Many of you know them, as they are established vocalists with First Baptist Church of Natchez. They are graciously taking time out of their busy holiday time to help out. It will definitely be a treat for the ears, and will give us a chance to “catch our breath” from all the joyful singing we’ll be doing!

And if history is any indication, I just might have another surprise or two “up my sleeve”.

The event is open to the community, and I sincerely hope that you will come. I also encourage you to bring a friend or, even better, bring the family! We only get to sing like this once a year, so please – take advantage of it!

Finally, I would ask something from you.

Could you bring a donation of food items for the local animal shelter? This time of year, we often forget the needs of our furry friends, yet their needs continue! Bring what you can, preferably dried dog food or cat food. If you have a chance, call the humane society and ask what they may be needing. It only takes a few seconds, so pick up the pone and inquire! I can assure you that the shelter folks will be thrilled, but more so, the animals housed there.

Please don’t think that you must bring something, though! If you can, fine. If not, come anyway and have fun!

So mark your calendar, call some friends and get the family ready! We have some singing to do!

I guarantee that your spirits will be lifted and that you will have a good time joining in.

 

Burnley Cook is a Natchez resident.