Music Spotlight! (Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021)

The Christmas season can be a time of deep sadness and loneliness for those who feel cut off from the general feeling of joy and happiness typically associated with this time of year. This feeling of loss may result from the death of a loved one, divorce, illness, job loss, or any number of other reasons. This Sunday morning, we will hear the good news about a peace that surpasses all understanding--a source of comfort that is substantial enough to sustain us during the most difficult times of life.

A man who needs no introduction in our congregation, Leo Adames, will share his beautiful song, "Crossing Bridges," during the offertory time. He wrote this in 2015 in memory of beloved member, Heidi Kathleen Hedstrom (1992-2015).

In the poem, there are subtle conversations and references to a spiritual connection. It is a passage of where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going. It has touches of emotional conflict, of acceptance, of release interwoven with hope and the conversion from a physical journey to a spiritual one. The listener does not always know who is talking to whom and is guided by his/her personal spiritual depth. It suggests a mother-child relationship, but quickly expands to all spiritually meaningful relationships, including that with God.

Last year, Leo and his son, Morgan, created a special music video for virtual worship. This year, Leo will perform his piece live. Watch the video at 49:04 below. 

In my younger days, when the world would sing,
I would sing along, it didn’t matter then.
Till I found myself in a different song
Different set of words, that didn’t always rhyme.
I’ve sung many songs since then
They have led me here to you.

The path I took wasn’t always straight
Sometimes it turned, found another way.
But in the twilight time stands still
I hear you whispering.
I’ve crossed many bridges now,
they have led me here, to you.

The earth may burn, or be washed away,
foundations shake, what stands is swayed.
all that I knew is now upside down,
my strength, my faith is tested.
like a seed Love finds a way
to break into the sun.

When my days have been fulfilled,
 I may have one breath, just to let you know
That I’ve loved you for the longest time,
The heavens know, I always will.
Treasures of another time
I find in your embrace.
              
One last bridge before I go,
to where I was, before I was.
There in the candle’s light, in a wordless prayer,
a chime that rings,
Release me into the blue,
Let me leave my peace with you.