My 5-year-old daughter, Quinn, and I sing with Millennial Choirs and Orchestras (MCO); Quinn in the Young Singers Chorus and myself in the Grand Chorus. (You can learn more about MCO HERE.) On December 9, Quinn and I had the privilege of performing Christmas music together in Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City. Watching her light up singing has been one of the sweetest joys of my life. Every week she comes home from rehearsal beaming, excited about what she’s learned. Seeing her fall in love with music fills me with gratitude. I hope my children come to love music as I do, and that they find peace in meaningful lyrics — especially those that testify of the Savior.

One of Quinn’s favorite songs from our MCO Christmas concerts is “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” uniquely arranged by Brett Stewart (one of our conductors). I love the way she proudly sings the words, “Go, tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born.” It’s powerful to watch her beginning to understand the significance of our Savior’s birth. As she sings and feels the music, I can see her recognizing the importance of sharing that message. I’m so grateful for the chance we’ve had to experience this together.

For my second song, I chose another piece we performed in the Grand Chorus this year: a special arrangement of “Deck the Hall,” arranged by Brandon Stewart (Brett’s brother and one of our conductors). It retains the traditional melody and lyrics, but lyricist Toni Thomas added a beautiful new verse that shifts the focus toward Christ. Listen for the added lines:

“Christ is come with love and healing, Alleluia,

Every sin and sorrow feeling, Alleluia.

Babe of Bethlehem, so lowly, Alleluia,

Take my heart and make me holy! Alleluia.

By the Love that filled the manger, Fa la la la la la la la la!

We are one and no more strangers, Fa la la la la la la la la!

Now with high and holy voicing, Fa la la la la la la la la la!

Praise the Lord, all things rejoicing!”

I testify that because of Christ, our Savior, we are one with Him and are no more strangers. He knows us individually and invites us to follow Him. We do not have to remain distant — He knows the lambs of His fold, and He can take our hearts (broken, imperfect, sorrowful, weak, or lost) and make them holy. I love Him and am so grateful for Him. “Praise the Lord, all things rejoicing!”