Br. Dustin Odom

Happy fifth day of Christmas!

Today I’ve been pondering what could have occurred between the time of Jesus’ birth and the visit of the magi.

How did Mary and Joseph emotionally cope with the fact that their son was the savior of the world?

As Jesus is the begotten son of our Heavenly Father, did he actually look like Mary and Joseph?

What was Jesus like as a small child? What was his relationship like with his earthly parents?

I have to believe that the holy family lived a deeply spiritual and peaceful life. Although, I’m sure they had troubles as we all do.

Julius Frank’s depiction of the holy family, at home in Bethlehem, brings me great joy. While painted some time ago, the artist depicts Jesus and his two earthly parents as relatable to all.

Shepherd rejoice, lift up your eyes, and send your fears away!

News from the regions of the skies! Salvation is born today.

Jesus our God, who angels fear, comes down to dwell with you! Today he makes his entrance here but not as monarchs do.

- Sheperds Rejoice (The Sacred Harp 1707)

I have just discovered Respighi’s “Songs for the Nativity of Our Lord” (Lauda per la Natività del Signore).

The piece was composed in 1930 and is the only sacred choral piece that the composer ever composed.

The work is scored for three soloists: soprano (angel), Mary (mezzo-soprano), and tenor (shepherd) with the SSATB choir serving as a chorus of shepherds and angels.

The cantata is composed for a sextet of woodwinds (two flutes, oboe, english horn, and two bassoons) and piano. The oboe and English horn play a crucial role in the orchestration as they portray the shepherds’ instruments.

If you have never heard this piece, I highly suggest that you sit down and listen to it with an open heart and mind.

https://open.spotify.com/track/3eeezwFztN8yCRSgeQLeGl?si=U7B-44CtSJCCk42riZvQnQ

Lauda per la nativita del Signore, P. 166 Ottorino Respighi, Lars Hagström, Patrick Wendel, Solveig Fageus, Kerstin Hallin, Carl-Johan Nordin, Jens-Christoph Lemke, Torkel Borelius, Bengt Forsberg, Ingrid Lindgren, Mikaeli Chamber Choir · Song · 2011

The story could have been a lot different, but then it wouldn’t have been that good.

Our savior could have come in power and majesty- with trumpets blaring and fire falling from the sky. The entire world could have known that he was here, but it didn’t happen that way.

Our savior was born in a podunk little town that nobody expected. With his parents, he was alone- with a manger as his earthly throne.

He came to save the highest of the mighty and the lowest of the lowly. Shepherds, outcasts from society, were the first to see our savior- the lamb of God- lying in a manger.

Joseph trained our savior to be a carpenter just like him. Isn’t it interesting that our savior was crucified on a cross made of wood- when he was a carpenter himself?

There was no crown upon his head. He came just like all of us. He could have showed Rome what was what and put things in order very quickly. But that is not what happened.

He died so that we could live. What a notion! Everything we are is because of the savior who was born in a stable in a small town called Bethlehem.

As an alumni, it is always a true blessing to get to share the story of Christmas with the community at Milligan University (formerly Milligan College). Whether I am playing or singing, this concert always holds a special place in my heart.

In December of 1965 Linus told his good friend Charlie Brown what Christmas was all about on national television.

Those who have seen the Peanuts Christmas special know what I’m talking about. Linus stands on an empty stage and recites the famous scripture of St. Luke that announced to the world that Christ had arrived on earth.

At this time of year, things tend to get very nolstalgic. Lights and decorations fill our heart with cheer. We are eager to get that special someone something extra special. We tend to feel more charitable than usual. Some even state that is what Christmas is all about- charity, love, family, friends, etc.

While those are all beautiful things, that is not what Christmas is all about.

It’s about a young, ordinary girl, from an ordinary town, who was given the amazing task of being the earthly mother of Christ- the savior of the world.

It’s about a man who chose to obey God’s command and take an u***d, pregnant girl as his wife.

It’s about a group of lowly shepherds who were the first people on earth to meet our Christ in person as an infant.

It’s about Magi who had so much faith, that they followed a star for miles and miles to meet a king that they had heard about in prophecy.

“Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.”

It’s about a baby who was born and laid in a manger. A baby who would grow up to be the savior of the earth. No robe. No crown. No jewels. A baby king whose first court consisted of a carpenter, peasant girl, and a group of shepherds.

May the light, joy and true reason for this season fill your soul this Advent season. As we prepare for the coming of our Savior, may we put aside all distractions and open our hearts to Christ.

The season of joy and mirth is upon us. What better way to celebrate the birth of our Christ than with music presented by members of your community!

I am blessed and be a part of the following musical presentations this Christmas season.

December 2 and 3: Milligan College Christmas 7:30 pm both nights

December 10: Westminster Presbyterian Church Christmas Cantata 11:00 am

December 17: St. John’s Episcopal Church Lessons and Carols time TBA soon

Thanksgiving is this coming week. However, preparations for the coming of Advent are already under way.

While today’s wreath and swag making was very merry indeed, it was also a great time to spend with close friends- remembering and contemplating how grateful you are for them.

Thanksgiving and Advent are exceptional times in which we have the opportunity to look within and prepare our hearts to serve and love one another, not just for this time of year, but everyday.

Greetings friends! I hope this post finds everyone doing well! As some may know, my life took a very special turn over the last year. Stay posted for events as we share the Lord’s gift of music with the community during the upcoming Christmas season!

It was a truly amazing opportunity to get to play the eighteenth century organ in the Wren Chapel on the campus of the College of William and Mary. The guest organist, Norman, was very helpful and generous with his time after his recital of traditional carols.

Note: I am not an organist. I played a simple piece that I learned in piano proficiency class many years ago.

Merry Christmas! Our Savior is born!

“Let all your fears be banished hence,
Glad tidings I proclaim;
For there is a Savior born today
And Jesus is his name.

Seek not in courts or palaces;
Nor royal curtains draw;
But search the stable,
See your God extended on the straw.”

- Shiloh by William Billings
(Suffolk Harmony 1786)

Why Moravian Carols?

Somebody asked me why I chose to share Moravian carols with the public this year. This is why.

A few years ago, I visited Winston-Salem, North Carolina and toured Old Salem Village, which is one of the earliest Moravian communities settled in America in 1766. They had an important role on the musical development of classical music in America during the colonial period.

I was able to speak with some local Moravians about their beliefs and found it was very similar theology to what I was taught growing up. Very familiar. In addition, I grew up seeing Moravians stars at Christmas time and even sang solos for Moravian Love Feasts in the past.

Recently, I stumbled across a recording by Boston Baroque performing famous Moravian carols. I was immediately taken with the music and the text. I started doing some additional research about Moravianism in America.

I found a written, personal account of John Wesley’s first encounter meeting Moravians, which moved me deeply. In October of 1735 on a voyage across the Atlantic to Savannah, Wesley’s ship was struck by a terrible storm. Most on board, including Wesley himself, believed they would all perish in the storm. However, a group of German Moravian missionaries caught Wesley’s eye. Despite the dreadful storm, and the prospect of near death, they sang songs and openly praised the Lord. They firmly believed that if they went down with the storm, they were bound for heavenly glory. So, why worry? Wesley later wrote that his numerous encounters with the Moravians were so spiritually moving, that he often questioned his own faith.

While studying Moravian carols this fall, I feel much like Wesley did. I especially pay close heed to the text of each hymn and carol. I feel obligated to share these pieces with the community. May we all be so grounded in our faith that not even the fiercest storm may sway us.

Due to performances involving both parties, our next Moravian carol will be dropped later this week. Stayed tuned!

It was a lovely opportunity to play in the orchestra this morning at Westminster Presbyterian. It is always a true blessing to get to share the message of Christ, no matter if I’m playing or singing.

Another special aspect of this season is reconnecting with good friends that you have not seen in a while. Fellowship with friends and family is an integral part of sharing in the Christmas season.

What is your favorite recording of Handel’s MESSIAH?

My personal favorite is William Christie conducting the artstist of Les Arts Florissants. Christie takes very bright and brisk tempos. I’m addition, as a historical music group, the oratorio is played on historical instruments.

Some Old English Christmas coming to you on Christmas Eve.

Last Christmas by Wham!……except it’s in the style of a medieval dance. Yuletidings of 1150 A.D.

Peace in our hearts.
Peace when angels sing.
Peace be still, listen heart.
Listen, when angels sing.
- Mark Miller

Every year, I stand or sit on the stage of Seeger Chapel at Milligan University to start the Christmas season off with the institution’s annual Christmas Concert. A staple of tradition in the community, this is a special tradition in many families, including mine, as family members and myself are alumni.

Tonight, I gazed out onto the congregation. A sea of candles filled the chapel. The choir and orchestra led the congregation in song. Usually, a feeling of warm nostalgia fills my heart, but this year, something was different.

Attempting to prepare myself to play some very exposed passages in “Night of Silence” with my clarinet colleague, my mind thought:

How do people not have faith? Who could see this and not believe in something?

Now, friends, being an educator, I see up close and personal the kind of world we live it. It’s dark. It’s not the kind of world I want my students or young family members to live in. Society, in general, has changed so much since I was a child, that I hardly recognize it. At times I feel as though morals, standards, and common decency have completely disappeared.

I worry about the world that my students and young family members are going to experience. But then, I see things like this, a community gathered in song, and my heart and soul have hope for a brighter future. I know that the Lord holds us all in the palm of his hand.

I looked up to behold a gigantic Moravian star suspended from the ceiling- a symbol of the Lord’s light to all the world. My heart was filled with peace. My mind was at rest.

I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to minister to the community in song. I am thankful for the many individuals who have trained me to be the best musician I can be.

This year, take a moment to reflect and see the world around you in a different light. Let your heart and mind be at rest knowing that there is goodness in the world. Pause and listen. Listen when angels sing.

Luke 2: 8-14

Getting this year’s Christmas season off to a bang with the annual Milligan Christmas Concert. This marks my tenth Milligan Christmas concert. My first experience playing at Milligan was at age fifteen. I was the only clarinetist in a small chamber orchestra for the Christmas concert. Now, as an alumni of the music department, no matter if I’m singing or playing, it is always an honor to be back making music for the Lord’s glory.

It’s that time of year again. It is always an honor to return to my alma mater to participate in the annual, community Christmas concert. The Christmas season just wouldn’t be the same without this experience.

Two Moravian carols were recorded today in a lovely space. I am excited to share them with everybody after they have been edited.

This is wonderful! It’s always a privilege to participate in this event as an alumni.

Such a great morning! A local musician bequeathed their music library to the community and I can’t say I didn’t go overboard! It was amazing to see such an extensive library of musical masterpieces!

Instead of doing a Christmas recital this year, I have decided to drop a special Christmas piece each Sunday of advent via video. I have discovered some pieces that I am excited about sharing with everyone.

Selections will include “O, Morning Star” and “Hail Infant Newborn” among others. These traditional Moravian carols harken back to the days of early America.