Missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are ringing in the holiday season by blending their voices and sharing in song the true meaning of Christmas with residents of care facilities.
But for carolers, and those residents, the singing will have a different look, due to the Covid-19 virus, which has restricted group gatherings, including in-person visits.
This year over 50 missionaries have participated in the creation of virtual caroling videos to be distributed to care facilities across 4 states. The virtual choir, headed by Elder Scott Milner, has already combined their
talents into several other inspirational musical videos available for view on YouTube. (If readers would like to listen to this virtual concert it is found on YouTube, search WalkWithChrist Virtual Carols.) Now they hope to spread Christmas cheer to senior centers.
Sister Karlee Cutler, who is overseeing the music project, said the hope is to brighten the season, one note at a time, even if the virus has caused many facilities to restrict. visitors.
“We wanted to do this because we love these people and we long for them to have joy and to feel loved,” she said. “We wish to be with them to help lift their spirits. Sadly, we don’t get that opportunity. We know how hard this pandemic has been for everyone, and it is ten times harder to go through this time alone.”
“Distance doesn’t separate our joy and the beautiful sound of Christmas music,” she said.
The finished recording will include five carols, including “Go Tell it on the Mountain,” “Canon at Christmas,” “Silent Night,” “O, Come all ye Faithful,” and “Angels we have Heard on High.” Those recordings will be sent out to care centers, giving residents a musical taste of Christmas.
The idea of caroling from afar has been well received.
“The care centers are so excited to receive the caroling videos,” Sister Cutler said. “This will hopefully help the residents know they are important and being thought of this Christmas season.”
But missionaries haven’t limited the spread of Christmas cheer to music alone. Other missionaries, about 200 of them, also hand-created 2,000 Christmas cards to be delivered to many care centers throughout the mission.
One center administrator said the cards were the perfect gift.
“You don’t know how much these are needed and will be appreciated,” she said.
Sister Cutler noted that the music and the holiday messages are more ways for the missionaries to emulate the very reason we celebrate Christmas.
“We are sharing the love of Jesus Christ this Christmas season, which is exactly what He would do. We hope to light the world by loving people for who they are and by inviting all to come closer to Him.”
If you are aware of a senior that may not be in a care center that would appreciate listening to these carolers or receiving a Christmas card contact the musical missionaries at (701) 805-0337.
