I find “new-and-different” kind of fun. And this proved true at the 2013 MSIA Family Christmas Eve Celebration in Santa Monica, starting with the backdrop décor. Post-modern and brilliant, the tree and the stage (provided by NOW Productions, who manage this event seamlessly, every year, with cheerful grace and ease), created a forward-looking ambiance that was aimed at True North, as well as 2014.
It was reported that there were groups of MSIA people online all around the world, including all over the U.S., South America, Australia and Canada, tuning in to the broadcast (some of them awake and aware in the middle of the night!).
Our hosts for the evening were staff who work at MSIA’s headquarters in Los Angeles, otherwise known as Prana or Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens: Carol Jones, Kevin McMillan, Ross Goodell, Kim Guisinger, Cary Cooper, and Valerie Simons – each one introducing themselves, their work, and the next segment of the evening’s line-up.
To begin with, we were gifted David Stern’s orchestrated version of “Be Thou My Vision,” sung by Le Anna Sharp. While Estelle Day provided background harp music, John Hruby (along with his youthful co-conspirators) told us the story of Lighty the Light and his adventures. And Valerie Ojeda sang for us her renditions of “My Own Little World,” and “Come Oh Come Emmanuel.”
There were video excerpts of John-Roger, and a few announcements of upcoming events. With an introduction by Carol Jones, John Morton, MSIA’s Spiritual Director, took the stage and spoke about the joy of the season, and although I personally was not in the main ballroom, there was a point at which John stopped speaking, and simply held in a pure, deep silence. It was breath-taking, palpable, and brought many to tears, myself included.
Closing the program, while John Morton and his wife Leigh Taylor-Young Morton exited, Alethea Lamb played “The A Train” on saxophone, a lively Big Band tune to put some pep in our steps for Christmas Eve.
We are so very fortunate to be able to come together like this, even if separated by many miles, to honor and celebrate this night with our Spiritual Family and friends.
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