What a treat to see Handel's Messiah performed by young kids! There is a kids' version of the Messiah performance which I didn't know existed until September. That was when my boys were first introduced to it. 14 songs were learned, complete with speaking parts and solo singing parts.
Some boys were dressed as the prophets of old while the rest of the choir was in their best Christmas attire. Andrew was chosen to be the prophet Isaiah. It was a part he deeply wanted. He even prayed to God for it. When the choir directors told him he was chosen to be Isaiah, he was thrilled. His faith was stirred and really believed and experienced God answering his prayer. What a joy for him to experience that and for us to see him so excited about the Lord.
Ethan, our little songbird was chosen to sing a solo. After thinking it over, he actually had Andrew go tell the director that he was too scared to do it alone. Out of her kindness, she encouraged him to sing and offered backup help for him. So with two other boys at his side, he felt confident enough to belt it out! I've had Ethan with me day in and day out for 8 years now. Nothing surprised me more than to see my little joyful comedian scared to sing and so very serious. Even tonight, he looked like he was going to either cry or was writhing in pain. His facial expressions were so expressive and so contemplative but quickly changed to relief after his solo part was finished. He sang like a little angel. He has this sweet voice that stays on pitch. I laughed inside watching him because the voice coming out sure didn't match the expression on it.
Andrew's speaking part was longer than I knew. He practiced for hours on his own even right up to the performance tonight. We played the music in the car on the way there to let them have one last time to practice. He did wonderfully. He completed all his parts with one hand in his pocket too. All business.
Our former neighbors Linda and Bill Pickett came to see the boys' perform. We just love them and call them the kids' Knoxville Grandparents. Here they are with the kids after the performance.
We filmed the whole performance so that all the family can watch at Christmas. No worries, we'll fast forward to their parts only and not make you watch the full 45 minutes. I can honestly say that you'll be happy and proud to see the boys' sing. I know Jason and I are!
Pictures of Ethan singing are coming soon. I'm going to get them from a friend because my camera started acting up (again). Time for a new one.
This is how my church looked after the performance. It started snowing, big fluffy flakes and the wind was fierce. But I was joyful because I knew God had answered MY prayers. He held the snow off and allowed the kids to sing praises about HIM this afternoon and we didn't have to cancel due to the weather, Isn't He good?
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