the solo and i

So I'm stuck doing a solo at this year's nine lessons and carols service. Not exactly my idea of fun but with my dad being the choirmaster I've no choice but to sing. I generally loathe having to sing solo and this is the second time he's slotted me for a solo. Nerves mainly. I've no problem with the song it's a simple one and it's only a verse, just rather not have to do it.

A little background on the service. It was started in the Christmas of 1942 as a way of keeping the morale up of the prisoners of war in Changi jail, Singapore by Rev. Hayter. He later became the incumbent of our parish and introduced that prayer vigil as its current format. 9 Lessons from the bible which talk of the birth of Christ and his purpose here. Interspersed are carols or hymns tied to the theme of the lesson read. It's a big deal. It's tradition. It's something to look forward to. My solo is after the lesson about the magi or wise men from the east who sought to honour Christ with their gifts and praise. I'm singing the second verse of "We Three Kings of Orient are".

Born a King on Bethlehem's plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign

Here is a link to a youtube video of the song. Click here

I keep my singing voice to myself. It's how its always been. I'm quite content standing in the back singing the various parts be it soprano, tenor, baritone or bass. My preference being tenor. Sigh. Sucks having your entire family so involved in things, saying no is generally out of the question. Fortunately for me church is the only place where I'm asked to sing and I hope I keep it that way. I even hate it when they ask me to read the lessons worse still that one time they asked me to give a sermon or well message.

I did and it was well received. It was based on a passage in John, chapter 1:1-14.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

I talked about where the focus of Christmas had gone (down the tubes in my opinion) and how our focus had taken us away from its true meaning and the passage served to remind us of why we celebrate Christmas. I tied it up to that song by faith hill "Where are you Christmas". I did it all through a short play. I only had to speak for about 7mins at the very end. I allowed the play to be the message. Clever right?

Yes I have a very even speaking voice that reverberates, yes I have near impeccable pronunciation skills, yes I know how to throw my voice, yes I have a pleasant singing voice but I don't enjoy showcasing it. I like the obscurity of anonymity. If church has taught me one thing, it's not about what I want but what is required of me. I like being behind my bass guitar. I like standing in front of the drum set and drowning myself in the beat. Lost. Hidden. With only my presence felt or heard in this case. Yes obscurity that is what I like.

Oh well duty calls, wish me luck.