"WE ARE CHRISTMAS"

 “WE ARE CHRISTMAS”

When Caroline and I were pastors at Oakhurst, we were privileged to be part of church group who attended the annual Spelman-Morehouse Christmas Concert on the first weekend in December.  It would be held twice in King Chapel on Morehouse campus and once in Sisters Chapel at Spelman.  It was always crowded, and it was always a moving experience.  The power of the voices, the arrangements, and the sheer joy of being in Black space to welcome the season – these drew us many times to this annual concert.  Covid forced last year’s concert to go online rather than in person, and that is the case this year too.  

    Their 95th Annual Christmas Concert will be shown on their websites beginning on December 15.  If you have not experienced this magnificent concert, please treat yourself this year.  There is nothing like being in person, being incarnate for this concert, but you can still feel the power online.  Check out the Spelman or Morehouse websites for more information.

I have many favorite songs from these concerts, but this year, a song stands out:  “We Are Christmas.” It is co-written written by the Spelman Glee Club Director, Kevin Johnson, and by student Sarah Stephens Benibo. Here is the link to Ms. Stephens Benibo as a soloist on the song with  the Spelman Choir (with handbells that year in 2006).  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kj33F8ZBQCM

    Since her graduation, she has come back to sing this at the annual concert.   The idea for the song comes from Sweet Honey in the Rock’s song “We Are,” and it is based on Mary’s experience in the Christmas story, as well as her vision (“The Magnificat.”). At first the music lulls us into thinking that we have another “Sweet little Jesus boy” song, but the lyrics lead us into something quite different – it is up to us to bring this story to life in our day and in our time.  Let it speak to you, and plan to watch some more of their work.  Then let us find ways in our lives to make the vision of Christmas come alive.