Mercy! Just where has a year gone!

It seemed like just yesterday that we were meeting at New Covenant Church and singing Christmas Carols to our hearts content.

 I am very glad to say that we have the opportunity to do it, again.

Sunday, Dec. 9, at 2 pm, we will open the big front doors of the church and welcome one-and-all to enjoy the songs of the season.

I will once again be at the Steinway, leading the singing and enjoying the best seat in the house, as I get to hear the roomful of folks, singing these wonderful songs and hymns.

Will we do “ Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”? Absolutely! How could we get together for such an event and not sing about the most popular reindeer in Santa’s team?

 “ What about ‘Frosty the Snowman’?” you might ask.

 Certainly, that one will be included, too, along with “Jingle Bells,” “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” and several others that harken back to our youth.

 We don’t stop there, though.

 You see, I divide the singing into three sections: children/novelty, popular and sacred.

 Speaking of popular, what would a gathering of carolers be without “Winter Wonderland” or “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” It was interesting that it was only a couple of days after our get-together last year that it did snow.

 Wouldn’t it be a rare — a very rare — treat to have a white Christmas?

 We may not experience one, but we can certainly sing about one, as we enjoy the strains of the song, as recorded famously by Bing Crosby.

 “Silver Bells,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and other familiar songs make up the “Popular” section, and is always a lot of fun to perform.

 Lest we forget “The Real reason for the Season” we will enjoy the beautifully worded sacred pieces.

 “Joy To The World,” “ Angels We Have Heard On High,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and “Silent Night” are prime examples of this section. We will sing them all, and more.

 As a very special treat, New Covenant’s Music Director and vocalist extraordinaire Roberta Duhs will perform several pieces for us. Just that is enough of a reason to attend this special event, as Roberta has an incredible voice and sings like an angel.

There is no admission! None! Song sheets will be provided.

 We will be accepting “Love Offerings” at the door, the proceeds of which are going to New Covenant this year, to help with the expenses of our new playground, construction of which is well underway. Please give if you feel led, but by no means feel obligated to; just come and enjoy!

 So, grab a friend, ask a neighbor, get Aunt Edna and head on over to New Covenant Church at 2 p.m. Dec. 9.

 You will enjoy it, I assure you!

BURNLEY COOK of Natchez is a local musician, piano tuner and restorer.