A Joyful Noise

 Anticipation of the Kick-off to Light the World

Last Friday we watched a lot of action going on at the stake center. Chairs were being put up outside in the parking lot, and a screen went up.  The parking lot was blocked. We could see all this stuff going in and out in and out and you knew there was something big was going to happen. They’ve been putting lights in on all the trees around the grounds and on the fences. A lot of work with a lot of people has been going on in the temple lot. 

I worked in the temple on Friday and wanted to get out at 6:00 pm so I could go over to light the world celebration. They planned to have some really special guests come and sing and entertain.   I went on over there saw how beautifully the Stake Center was decorated! Somebodies had really gone to a lot of effort to make everything look really nice with lots of Christmas decorations on the handrails and the stairway and different kinds of lights all decorated to make it look really festive and beautiful. 

 

The woman who was advertised to come singing was an opera style singer. She had an incredible voice and was very good. Everyone who participated was really good. Expert at what they did.

 I didn't stay for a long time because I was just sweating down my back, dripping and it just kind of makes me a little bit nauseous when I get too hot.

 

One different and really interesting note was they were singing all of these religious songs at the church, but they were applauding and hollering and there was lights flashing, strobing around and there's a very slick MC and cameras all over the place - and in her face. It feels so different when there is holy music even in the culture hall at church with Los Vegas style flashing lights, cameras, and loud soliciting of audience participation. 

All the benches had been taken out of the Chapel and we were turned toward the stage in cultural hall. But still I knew I was in a church.  Super nice, great singing of Christ centered Christmas songs and people are hollering, clapping, and it was just different. 

When you sing about Christ and it wasn't reverent, it feels odd. It wasn't bad it was just a joyful noise. Though I had to come back a little early, I could hear the music from my house when I opened the window. I wasn't able to see the dancing but the music could be heard from my place. It was just a really nice evening with a lot of very talented people who did their very best.

 The grounds are all lit up and the nativity is there with Mary, Joseph, the donkey, and of course the baby Jesus.