Christmas in Two Hours

For the second year in a row we went to Nashville to celebrate Christmas and our anniversary. And for the second year in a row we saw the Amy Grant and Vince Gill Christmas concert at the Ryman. Trey doesn't love concerts, but he was excited to see this particular one again. It's an 80s and 90s church kid's dream, I suppose. 

During the show, I was trying to put words into what made it so special. What makes these songs from these people in this moment epitomize Christmas so well? And how can I share with everyone?

These are my thoughts:

1) Vince Gill is silly. He talked about how terrible chestnuts are and changed the words of "The Christmas Song" to cashews. During the borderline-sacred Christmas song "Grownup Christmas List," instead of singing the correct lyric (right will always win) he sang "the Titans finally win." He joked and laughed and seemed to just have fun. Like a kid at Christmas. It was contagious.

2) Veterans. During the show they turned up all the house lights and asked veterans to stand and be honored. Then they asked anyone who would not be with a family member this Christmas because that person is serving in the military to stand. Many shows and artists honor our veterans, but this hit a little different. It was a great moment.

3) Family. Vince and Amy (we're basically personal friends now so I call them that), act like two people who both love each other and like each other. They spoke about their blended family and their holidays together. One of their daughters was singing backup and another daughter came out and sang "When my Momma Prays." It's a song that Vince wrote for Amy that was originally "When my Amy Prays." As she sang I was overcome with gratitude because I have a Mom like that, and it made me want to be a mom like that. It felt like Christmas because it felt like family. 

4) Reverence. Christmas is about hope and joy and peace. Christmas carols proclaimed the joy of the season. Her song "Count Your Blessings" has never been one of my favorites, but hearing it in that moment was a reminder that we all have peace right at our fingertips if we only choose to see it. 

5) Everyone. The show ended with all the microphones turned off and the entire crowd singing "The First Noel." Everyone. I don't know how many people fit in The Ryman, but we were all worshipping together. I think (I guess I know) that some versions of Christianity these days are exclusive. I'm troubled by it. This Christmas moment was for everyone and it reminded me that Jesus is for everyone, not just those who see the world the same way I do. 

So there you go. It was Christmas in two hours. I hope that this Christmas Eve you can find time to be silly. To remember those who can't be with their families because they volunteered to be our protectors. That you get to spend time with family and share a happy memory or two of those you can't be with. That you remember not everyone sees the world the same way you do which can be beautiful.

And that your soul will be nourished with the reverence of Christmas. 

There is always, always hope and joy and peace.