Meridian, the Queen City as some have termed her, prepares for the magic of song at this Christmas season with great anticipation and a deep love of community.

And so let the music begin!

This is the time of year when Meridianites can be seen driving their SUVs while voicing yuletide carols, seemingly to no one — but actually in harmony with “practice tapes” supplied by a hardworking minister of music.

Yes, a few years ago someone thought of this genius of a plan … “ongoing” music practice while one was actually “ongoing”! I believe the term is multi-tasking, but it seems more like multi-joy!

Song is in the air, for sure, but for the majority of Lauderdale County and Meridian residents, most importantly, the song is in the heart! Young and old alike have a skip in their step and a smile on their faces as they join in the musical merrymaking.

Christmas pageants, plays, parades, concerts, candlelight services, Christmas stories and the worshipful majesty of the telling and retelling of the Greatest Story Ever Told, all unfold during this most holy time of the year. Everything must be just right to honor the Reason for the Season.

Practice, practice and more practice will make the labor of love worthwhile.

In 1988 I had my first opportunity to direct a Children’s Christmas musical at Briarwood Baptist Church. I had the desire not only to make the program good, but as my friend, another momma director, Suzanne Timbrell, said,”We don’t want this just to be good … but to be exceptional!”

And exceptional it was. The wonderful memories of that time remain in the hearts of those who had the joy to participate in “The Ole Toy Maker,” a sweet Christmas play emphasizing the sharing of the Christmas story.

In 2006 I am again blessed, as are many of you, not only to participate in the sharing of the worship through music, but also to enjoy the majesty of the season through the music of others.

Allow me to mention just part of the magic and majesty of Meridian and the surrounding area’s Christmas music. I must start with the children, as so many little voices are lifted into the realm of the angels, it seems, at this time of the year.

One of my favorite children’s choirs is the Northeast Lauderdale Elementary School Choir, under the direction of Sharon Pratt. The children are involved in many Christmas musical activities, due largely to the energy of Mrs. Pratt.

Their activities will include caroling at the Merry Meridian Market on Dec. 2, and caroling once again to the joy and delight of Aldersgate residents on Dec. 8. Northeast Elementary will also present a first grade Christmas program, “Around the World at Christmas,” on Dec. 12.

Making memories for students and parents alike is always on the agenda during the month of December at all of our schools. The dedication and love shown to our students through their teachers will live in the little ones’ hearts forever.

And make way for the adult Christmas musical presentations, starting with the gentle voices of the Wesley Belles presenting many programs around this area — especially the Belles’ annual Christmas program at Central United Methodist Church entitled, “A White Christmas.”

Don’t forget the inspiring rendition of Christmas harmony presented by the Barbershop Men’s Chorus, the Singing Christmas Tree at Highland Baptist Church, the East Mississippi Brigades of Bagpipes, the Singing Saints Senior Adult Choir, Briarwood Baptist Church, The Evangel Temple, the Young People of Praise Gospel Choir under the direction of Brother William Myles, the Meridian Symphony Concert at Meridian Community College’s McCain Theatre and many, many more exaltations from the old favorite Christmas carols to the uplifting and soulful expression of the new tunes, too.

All can be heard throughout the city and surrounding countryside, as presented by talented and dedicated members of Meridian’s musical community.

In addition to local talent, this year Meridian is honored to have The Nutcracker Ballet at The Temple Theatre on Dec. 4, and St. Paul’s Chamber Series will present the Capital Brass Christmas Concert on Dec. 14. Don’t forget the Sandi Patty Christmas Concert at the MSU Riley Center on Nov. 29-30.

In our area the singing and presentations of Christmas music are matched only by the singing of the spirit as our small, sweet, Southern town of Meridian once again leads the way, and in a mighty way, to the stable beneath the brilliant Eastern Star, where waits the Virgin Mary and her babe.

My hope for you is that you will add your voice and your musical talents to help make the magic and majesty of Meridian and her Christmas music all the more special as you make endearing musical memories that will live on and on in your heart.



Anne McKee is a retiree and freelance writer who lives in Meridian.