Even driving by this church at 35 miles per hour, I could almost feel the young voices practicing their Christmas Carols - I could almost see the patient but demanding mother/director of this choir and I could see the nervous parents sitting with hands tightly grasping one another in their laps.  One need only enter this small, rural church to feel the excitement, boredom and anticipation echo off the wooden pews and hardwood floor.

What richer sound than that of young, high-pitched voices making that joyful noise to whatever Lord you have in your life.

At exactly the same moment of this rehearsal, there was a used clothing sale in the basement - down 12 loud wooden steps.  I listened to the volunteer cashier offer her direct advice regarding the local female weathercaster on TV - "Why she was wearing much too much black - she should come in here, to this store, and I could dress her better!