I Am Not Alone

Sunday, I went to the National Cathedral for a Lessons and Carols service. I love going there, whether it's for a Eucharist or not. There was no Eucharist this time, just Lessons and Carols, a homily, a litany of peace....

The cathedral choirs are amazing, especially the choir of men and boys. Somewhere along the line, one group sang my favorite arrangement "Away in a Manger" - by Reginald Jacques, to a tune not in the hymnals.

The pageantry is always incredible. I love a full processional. Especially when it happens twice (!).

One of the anthems was an African carol. The choirs all together sashayed down the full length of the nave while the drums pounded. I've taught this carol at school and love it. But there was something especially powerful about the juxtaposition of gothic nave, victorian-esque choir garb, and traditional African Drums. For a moment there were no eras, no continents. Just joy.

From the back, they gave a wonderfully mystic rendering of "O Magnum Mysterium." When it was time to re-process, it didn't even feel like a rerun. Even though it was. The pace of the service had led us from an anticipatory procession to a celebratory one. I absolutely love when this type of things comes off right.

But thing I loved the best was that I Was Not Alone. I didn't know a soul in the place. And there were easily 1500+ there. I didn't speak to anyone. But we all shared this experience, and that was enough. We were all anonymous, and all united in Christ.

There was no need to meet later and talk it out. Sometimes it's better just to absorb.