Traditions are something that we do year after year after year. If we don't, things aren't quite the same. In fact, that's why we do them, because the one time we didn't, we regretted it. We felt like we missed out! So we made it a point to return to that practice the next year, and we've been doing it ever since.
Tonight I attended the annual performance of:
"This is Christmas"
with The Ditchfield Family Singers
at the Sarasota Opera House.
I've been attending this event for years, but this had to be the most outstanding of them all. It was AWESOME! Incase you've never seen them, they are the epitome of Christmas cheer. Stephen and Bernice -- better known as "Mom & Dad" -- and their three sons (Nathaniel, Michael and David), one daughter, Stephanie, and two daughters-in-law, Gina and Taylor, make up this fabulous singing group.
You know, you can't really call them a singing group. They are so much more than that! Every Christmas, they administer the most amazing performance of Christmas music to hearts that are thirsty for true seasonal bliss. The favor and anointing of God rests upon them, as the Holy Spirit moves throughout the audience touching people's spirits with the pure message of Christmas.
But that's not all, there are grandchildren now that are singing as well. Four boys in all. WOW! What performances they gave. This really put it over the top for me. That's because I've seen them grow from babies to teenagers over the years. The audience loved it too! I'm not the only one that returns year after year. So does everybody else. It's like a family gathering. You would have thought those boys were all of our nephews. How thrilling it was to see the gift of music being passed down to the next generation.
My dear friend Christin Ditchfield, (well-known author, conference speaker, and radio personality), continued her place in the family as the evening's Master of Ceremonies. She doesn't sing... but that doesn't mean she doesn't have a voice. At this traditional event, she opens the door and invites the audience into her family's living room per say. As she speaks from her heart, she welcomes you in -- front and center -- to enjoy all that's being served. And what a meal it was -- soup to nuts!
Although it is difficult to say what I enjoyed the most, (because its all so good), my absolute favorite is the same year after year. It's when Stephen and his daughter-in-law, Gina sing "THE PRAYER!" I don't know what happens during that song. It's as if the Holy Spirit just blows away anything that is hindering true Christmas spirit in my heart! Yup... It's Powerful! I'm unable to say anything but "Bravo!" when it's over.
I've kicked off my heels and I'm off to put on my jammies and relax a bit before retiring for the night. Perhaps sugar plums will be dancing in my dreams tonight. Anything is possible after all that!
Be blessed this Christmas Season and wear your RED shoes whenever possible. God is everywhere to be found!
Love to all!
Gail
