An Amazing Experience: Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert

I've recently finished a semester full of school and other exciting activities.  The one that stands out in my mind the most is the opportunity I had to participate in this year's Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert with guest artists David Archuleta and Michael York.  I was a dancer this year and had the most amazing experience!  Here's a little preview of the show I found on youtube.

When I first saw the flyer for tryouts I was really excited and wanted to participate, but was nervous because I was unsure of my abilities, in comparison to other great dancers.  There's a saying, "You may think you're a great dancer, but there's usually someone better."  So needless to say I was on the humble side of this.  But I did indeed make the cut and practices were twice a week up until these two final weeks, and they've been incredibly... amazing!

One of the things that I cherish the most from this experience are all the friends that I made during the practices and hours of rehearsal; and I even reunited with some old friends from high school.  Having friends and creating new ones is an incredible blessing in my life!

So performances began this last Thursday on the December 16th at a preview, and went through Sunday morning on the 19th.  The set was absolutely stunning!  The costuming was incredible!  And the choreography was exciting and fun!  They all went really well in my opinion.

The main reason I cherish this experience is because it helped me realize what I've been missing out on for several christmas seasons; it's the spirit of christmas that comes from focusing on the savior of the world, Jesus Christ.  I've thought more about this than all of the years combined; Jesus Christ, the gift to the world, the savior of mankind, mediator, advocate, and friend.  The very reason we celebrate christmas is to celebrate his birth, and ultimately the gift he gave us all, the atonement.

So with the many new friends to cherish and love, I also recognize my savior, Lord and King, Jesus Christ, and cherish and love him too!  We are loved by a loving Heavenly Father!  If you are in doubt, look to Christ; look at the gift he gave and the gift our father in heaven gave through him.  Love is the easiest gift to give, and the most beloved above all.  My challenge to myself and to any who read this, act now to love others.  Share the gifts God has given you, and I know that we will find the spirit of christmas even more abundantly in our lives when we do.

Merry Christmas everyone!  May God watch over and protect us all!