Oziel's Spotlight on a Member

This spotlight was written by
Sis. Maurice Wesson
District Deputy Grand Matron No. 7

JOY AT CHRISTMAS

During the Christmas season we often find joy in sharing with others in one way or another. I think we all realize that “joy” comes in various packaging and certainly not always in the perfectly wrapped gift or envelope with cash….

Well, my choir, the Mount Olive Baptist Church Choir in Hackensack, NJ that is, was invited to appear on the NBC Today Show – in New York City, to sing Christmas music! We had a few choir rehearsals and here we are, being transported by NBC with choir robes in tow, to “Rockefeller Center” where we would tape in front of the world famous Christmas Tree! Excitement and joy abound when we pulled up in front of Rockefeller Center! And, as we exited the vehicle we were greeted by NBC personnel and treated like royalty! Here we are, on Rockefeller Plaza taking our own personal photos in front of the Tree (of course) and taken down to “our room” where a continental breakfast awaited us! Realizing we needed to be on the Plaza at 9:15 for rehearsal we continued our fellowship, robed ourselves, and headed upstairs to the Plaza, with time to spare for a quick rehearsal before leaving the building.

“We’re ready for Mt. Olive” were the words that rang out and here we are on the Plaza, testing for taping, and grinning from ear to ear! The excitement was so high that although it was in the upper 30s Saturday morning no one was even cold for we were warm inside! After instruction and rehearsal, the first song was taped! The Plaza crowd applauded! Then the second and yes, a third and final song were taped, each to applause from the Plaza crowd! An NBC executive stated at the end of the taping, “We’ll have to bring you back every week”, and also said “you guys are great” after each song!

The experience alone brought joy to our hearts! To be able to proclaim – on nation-wide television - on Christmas morn that “a child is born”, is an unforgettable experience! The words of our last selection, written in 2001 by our Director of Music, Elder Terence Kitchings, best describes the feeling:

Hallelujah to the King

In a manger one winter night – The Jesus Child was born
No crown His head adorned – No royal robe He wore
Yet because of this single act – The world through Him was saved
And now He reigns – and we proclaim
Glory to God in the highest – Good will and Peace to men
Hosanna – all the angels sing - Hallelujah to the King of Kings.

After the taping, back to NJ we came, never to be the same again! What a wonderful way to celebrate the birth of our Savior! We were reminded – and will never forget – that Jesus is the reason for the season!

Tune in to NBC Today on Christmas morning at 9:00 a.m. to share our joy.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!