Everlasting Light: Cantatas for Christmas Friday, September 13, 2019
recommended by Judy H. and Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Music Specialists
Everlasting Light by Lloyd Larson, Mary McDonald, Jay Rouse & Larry Shackley
From the collaborative efforts of Lloyd Larson, Mary McDonald, Jay Rouse, and Larry Shackley, “Everlasting Light” showcases the profound significance of the light of Christ come to earth. An insightful narration by Rose Aspinall incorporates scripture and personal reflection to tie together the compelling combination of powerful original music and beloved carols. Mary McDonald’s celebratory opener, “Everlasting Light,” acts as the cornerstone of the work. Larry Shackley’s “Longing for the Light” beautifully portrays a yearning for restoration; Jay Rouse offers a stirring original song with words inspired by Mary’s Songs of Praise found in Luke 1:44-56; and Lloyd Larson’s “Shepherds and Angels” adds rhythmic and joyful energy. The work concludes with a robust medley of carols that points back to the opening song: “He is the Light, Everlasting Light; born a Savior, born this night. He is the One, the Everlasting Son; Child of heaven, He is the Light!”
Love Made a Way by Mary McDonald & Jay Rouse
Mary McDonald and Jay Rouse combine their compositional gifts to bring us this moving musical for Advent and Christmas. Beautiful music from Mary and Jay, deeply thoughtful narrations from Rose Aspinall, and a fabulous orchestration by Ed Hogan and Jay highlight the message at the heart of Christmas God’s love through Jesus Christ. You’ll find a bit of everything here, including original songs, familiar carols, fresh settings of timeless Christmas favorites, and ministry songs that will reach the heart of every listener. Songs like Mary’s “Sing Out Our Savior’s Birth” and “Look on Him with Love” and Jay’s “A Midwinter Noel” and “Love Made a Way” all serve to bring into focus God’s undeserved and unfathomable love through Jesus Christ. Celebrate how love made a way for each of us with this impactful musical! “His coming means freedom for the captive, sight for the blind, good news for the poor. Jesus is Love incarnate, and He alone makes a way home for fallen man.”
Seekers of the Light by Lloyd Larson & Mark Hayes
The world was lost in darkness. Roman oppression weighed heavily and God’s people were awaiting a Messiah. There were astrologers…literally following the light of the heavens and prophecies of the coming Messiah. But there were other “seekers of the Light”: Mary and Joseph, simple shepherds in a field, and the prophets. Then, it happened. The Light of the World was born. Follow the respective journeys of these “seekers of the light” to learn what we can from their sojourns. May we likewise seek and find The Light for our journey…and transform our lives with a fresh touch of God’s miraculous grace and gift of Love.
About the Authors:
Judy H. has been working in Stanton’s Choral Department since 1975. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Bowling Green State University, and a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from The Ohio State University. A member of the Grove City Chamber Singers, Judy also enjoys reading and spending time with her four grandchildren.
Jennifer F. is a graduate of Otterbein College with a degree in Vocal Performance. She has worked at Stanton’s for over 15 years specializing in Sacred Choral, Classical Vocal and Handbell music. Jennifer is Director of Handbells at Worthington Presbyterian Church and sings in the First Church Choir at First Congregational Church in Columbus Ohio, and is also the founder, Artistic Director and bass bell ringer for Handbells Columbus.