A profound Christmas with Voice Male

This year I wanted to go to a Christmas concert, and I chose to go see Voice Male.  We had front row seats at Abravanel Hall in SLC and we could see every facial expression of the singers. 

Voice Male from our view.

Voice Male from their view.  They stopped in the middle of the show to take
this picture on a camera that one of the members set up himself.  They have this posted
on their website.  If you look close, Sean and I are on the front row
on the bottom right hand side.



 

I sat on the stage for a picture during intermission. :D

The Christmas spirit at the concert was incredible. The group was emotional and inspirational as they shared their testimonies of the birth of Jesus Christ and how He is the King of kings and Lord of lords.  As they sang "Silent Night" the lead singer got choked up on the words.  The  other voices continued to sing and with a trembling voice, he cried, "please sing this with me."  The whole audience sang together about the birth of Jesus Christ. 

One of members of Voice Male named Phil, died this year from cancer. Nearly the entire concert was about memories of him and how Voice Male will see him again because of the "tiny little baby born in Bethlehem." 

When the concert was nearly over, John, one of the singers announced, "I'd really like to dedicate this last song to Phil.  I miss him.  And I know he's here for Christmas.  His wife is here tonight and I'd like to express my love for her husband.  Please, let's everyone give this courageous man a round of applause."  It was only seconds when the audience stood up in a wave.  Every single body in the entire concert hall stood, faced the widow, and clapped.  For minutes, the audience clapped and cheered for this man. 



As I was in the moment, I could not help but think of my own father who died of Cancer 11 years ago. 

My father holding me as a baby in 1987

I could see an image of his face in my mind.  Tears rolled down my cheeks as I thought of him.  My father also died of cancer.  I still do not understand why my father had to die when he did.  I do not understand why Phil died when he did.  They were both so young.  But I do understand why Christ died when He did.  Our King, born in a manger, died on a cross with a crown of thorns.  He came to earth to be the Savior of all mankind.  And yet during His death, only a few stood too honor Him.   This Christmas, I am grateful for Christ's birth, His life, and His death because it is what will allow me to see my earthly father again.  I am grateful for the temple that allows us to make sacred covenants and binds our families together forever.  Let us stand up this year, remember, and applaud for this Man..

Voice Male interrupted my thoughts and began to sing their last song, "I'll be Home for Christmas." I could hear my  dad sing the words in his off-tune voice, "I am dreamin' tonight of a place I love. Even more than I usually do. And although I know it's a long road back, I promise you, I'll be home for Christmas."

My daddy will be home for Christmas.  Although his physical body is not here to sing Christmas hymns and photogragh its memories, his spirit will be felt, and he will be missed.

The irony is my daddy will be home for Christmas, home in Heaven.  

It is not cliche, please keep Christ in Christmas. And remember that it was His birth that will allow us to go "home" for Christmas and be with those we love most.

I love you, dad. 

Patricia Anne Major 

 

A Tribute to a Man I Never Met

11 years and 10 days ago in the hours of the morning my father-in-law passed away. I didn't know him and was never fated to meet him in this life. What an opportunity missed. I have never heard anything but great things about this father I never met. I know he was kind, thoughtful, caring, and absolutely deeply in love with his wife.

My memories of this wonderful man stem from the many compliments that I have received. Most of you find that sentence puzzling. As you should.  There has often been times where an action, word, or something I have done has been said to serve as a reminder of this man, Kenneth Major. I am admittedly ashamed of the mixed feelings I had about these compliments. I have come to realize I could receive no high respects from his children and his wife.

Let me tell you what I know about this selfless and kind man. He was a great carpenter. He was able to fashion bookshelves, cedar chests, headboards, and many other items to give to his children. This man built his own house and did much of the requisite electric work. As I remember it, the electrical inspector came and said it was better then most work that he has seen. This came from a Junior High electrical class. When he was in Junior High he rigged a bell to ring whenever his parents were coming down the stairs to check on them. They never found out until later in life. How amazing is that. He is so talented.

He served in many positions in the Church as an active and faithful member. From the testimony I have seen in his children, I know he has a strong testimony. He was a faithful and true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. A man who was and is an example of charity and kindness towards his family.

One day I will meet this man. I hope one that when I do meet him. He will approve of me as his son-in-law. That I can measure up to such a wonderful example that he has given. Only time will tell. Until I express my deepest respect and love for a man I never met.

Dad, may I just say thank you for your wonderful Family. Thank you for allowing me to marry your wonderful daughter. A precious Jewel above all others. Thank you.

Dad, I haven't met you yet, but I love you.

Sean Cristian Willardson