The other weekly commitment which surfaces in September is our Tuesday night practices for two Christmas Concerts held on the first weekend in December. What makes our chorus extra special is the fact it is made up of singers from two sides of the northern border of the United States. Our small town is located, just 5 miles from the Canadian border, although getting across the border takes a bit longer, as it is necessary to first get to the nearest border crossing, which is 22 miles away.
This year, we have seen an increase in the size of our chorus from both sides of the border, which is quite exciting. The average size over the past few years has been 45-50 singers, but this year our head count is already up to 60. Tonight we had an added bonus, as one of those who came was a man who is actually from South Africa. He has been working for an area farmer since earlier this spring, and decided he wanted to be part of our group. Our international chorus, just got even more diverse!
It is fun to hear the voices blend as we learn the music in the chapel of our Lutheran Church. When the current church was built, the altar setting from the prior church was preserved and placed in this chapel in memory of the pioneers who started the church. It is a place which always warms my heart, as it was in front of this altar my parents said their wedding vows.
What a blessing to form friendships across the border. . .and now borders! It is also wonderful to hear so many using their God-given musical talents to proclaim the Christmas message, a message of Christ come to earth. The theme of this year's concert is "A Star is Born." and it's not too late to join us if you are interested. Just show up at Concordia Lutheran Church in Crosby, ND at 7pm on Tuesday evenings between now and December 3.
As my thoughts focus on "borders" tonight, we can also be so thankful Jesus was willing to cross the border from heaven to earth to become Emmanuel, God with us. His sinless life here on earth sets an example each of us should strive to follow. His death on the cross, and resurrection three days later then made it possible for us to receive the forgiveness needed to inherit eternal life, a journey from this finite life to one of life eternal.
Today, I came across a picture of a statue depicting the moment one steps through death's door, which is our boundary between earth and heaven. Originally sculpted by a man named Jerry Anderson, it was unveiled in the year 2000. Today, this life-sized bronze monument is found in the foyer of the Spilsbury Mortuary in St. George Utah. You see an elderly woman's body return to its prime, as it journeys to the arms of a waiting Savior.
As you ponder this statue, also take time to ponder your own relationship with Jesus. He wants each of us to know Him in a personal way, and longs to hear from us through the avenue of prayer. The jailer in Acts 16 once asked Paul and Silas, "What must I do to be saved?" The answer then still holds true today:
"Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ,
and you will be saved."
Acts 16:31
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