What a Night!

Wow.

Husband, Daughter and I went to a concert last night.

Boy howdy.

Joy: An Irish Christmas was at the Cobb Energy Centre last night and they took the word energy very seriously.

Their 'back up choir' was none other than the Jubal Choir. And if you've ever heard the Sons of Jubal or the Jubalheirs, you know ain't nobody ever had a back up choir like that. Their string orchestra was with them, consisting of violins and and bass.

For a short time, there was a children's choir up there, too.

I was saturated with the music.

Mandolin, Uilleann Pipes (the Irish Bagpipe), Irish Whistles, Bodhran (the Irish spring drum), Harmonica, Guitar, Lute, Piano, Violin (mostly played as a fiddle, if you know what I mean), Percussion, Celtic Harp, Bass, electric and upright, Banjo and last but not least, the slap stick.

There were Irish jigs. We sat, we stood, we sang with them, we listened to them. We laughed at some silliness and became tearful at the awesome reason Christmas exists.

Even if you haven't heard of Keith an Kristyn Getty, you've probably heard the new hymn, "In Christ Alone". Mr. Getty is a man who has decided we need more than the contemporary pop and worship songs, and felt led to go back to the hymn type songs most of us were raised on.

We heard Christmas music that was new to me, straight from Ireland. And many of the old favorites we know by heart.

There was passion, humor, story telling at it's best and worship through music like I'd never heard before.

We loved hearing the Irish brogues, and I know if I hung out with them much, I'd be havin' a wee brogue meself.

And did I mention the surprise guest who came and chatted with us, sang with us and played a mighty fine mandolin,himself?

Some guy who's won fourteen Grammies. Name of Ricky Skaggs.

What a night!

What music!

What a Savior!