WOW!  Another fabulous concert series has come and gone and everyone in CMI can take a breath and prepare for the Christmas season, finish shopping and enjoy the Holidays. But don't relax too long, for we must start preparing for a new concert series for 2004! Thurlow has at least temporarily named it "Christmas All Through the Year". I can't wait to find out what music we will be singing and everything else that is already being prepared for the new year. Being a part of CMI and singing some of the best Christmas music that can be found anywhere all year long  - in the car, at home, at rehearsals, in fact just about everywhere - gives a a little bit of Christmas - all through the year.

This year we combined the miracle and wonder of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who came to this earth to set us free from sin, with the priviledge, liberty and freedom we enjoy as Americans. God has blessed America greatly, and though our country has its problems, we still live in freedom in the greatest nation on this earth. Unfortunately, many in this country would take away our freedom in the name of "civil liberty". How many of you were actually shocked when Thurlow told us that the ACLU was suing the city of Honolulu over having the concert in Waikiki? I think we should get a group of Christian lawyers together to protect the rights and freedom of Christians. Maybe we should should call them the American Christian Liberties Union.

We have so much to be thankful for! The 2003 Red, White & Blue Christmas concert series struck home with our audiences in a big way. Did you see the men & women who stood during our Tribute to the Armed Forces? And, did you see what happened to them when Uncle Sam came out to salute them? Most stood straighter and saluted, and many were moved to tears as they saw Uncle Sam approach & recognize them for their service to their country. Let Freedom Ring provided the appropriate and stirring ending to a great first half and received standing ovations from most, if not all, audiences.

The second half was received equally well. Filled with some of the best music I believe we have ever done, and with characters from various walks of life in America, the audiences got the message loud and clear. This Little Child provided a powerful and clear message as did The Word Is Alive. The invitations this year resulted in record numbers of bent corners! Each and every one of us had a part in each one of those decisions. Thank You, Lord!

Looking forward we have great challenges ahead and for those who are faithful, even greater reward. Let us pray now and throughout 2004 for the coming concert season that God will continue to bless America and that God will bless CMI indeed, enlarge our coast, that His hand will be with us, and that God would shelter us from evil as we "Take Music To Our World"!