Wishing You Love, Joy, & Peace This Holiday Season

When I was in college, I sang in the Berea College Choir (1st?Soprano) under the direction of Dr. Stephen Bolster. (I’m one of six sisters, a niece, and a nephew who graduated from Berea and sang in the College Choir.)?

During homecoming, alumni are invited back to sing with the choir for the homecoming church service at Union Church. My family was excited to sing with the choir this year as Dr. Bolster, now retired, returned as a guest conductor. As always, he carefully selected a meaningful piece for our performance, “What Love Demands” composed by Mark Hayes.

The words of this song moved me deep in my soul. And, I was moved by Dr. Bolster’s emotional connection to this song as he introduced it to us. I have found myself singing this melody often throughout the day for weeks. So, I wanted to share this gift with you.

This song inspires us to show abundant love to and respect for each other, so much of what is needed in the world right now.?

It’s a message that I hope warms your heart this Christmas / Holiday season.

I recorded the choir’s performance on my phone during the service. I invite you to?listen to it here.

Below, I’ve copied the words and background on why the members of Union Church commissioned Mark Hayes to write this song during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moving!

“What Love Demands”?is a call to action. So, my question to you… What can you do to show more love each and every day?

Enjoy!

?

Wishing You Love, Joy, & Peace This Holiday Season!

Vivian

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Special Music: “What Love Demands” [Listen here]

Mark Hayes, Composer??

Performed by: Berea College Alumni Choir & Union Church Choir, November 2022

Dedicated to the public health workers, medical personnel, chaplains, and front-line essential workers who answered love’s demands in a time of national pandemic.

Dedicated to them by the people of Union Church, Berea, KY, in memory of Mr. Tom Warth, Dr. Richard and Ms. Judy Drake, and Ms. Mary Lou and Dr. Lester Pross.

1.?????What does it mean to love my neighbor? How can I live in harmony? Are you my brother or are you just another? When I look in your eyes, who do I see? I see you’re made in the image of God, uniquely gifted with the right to be loved. Neighbor or stranger, how may I serve you? What does love demand?

Chorus: Love is listening with heartfelt compassion, holding the lonely, wiping a tear. Love demands that I live in the moment to live in the question when the answer’s unclear. Love demands I seek what unites us?releasing fear and whatever divides us. With God as my strength I will be the change I want to see. For that’s what love, that’s what love demands.

[2nd time through the Chorus—sing “we” for “I,” and “our” for “my.”]

2.?????What can we do to stand for justice? What can we do so all are free? What can we do to end oppression, so all have the same opportunity? We will be God’s hands and welcoming arms. We’ll keep you safe from danger and harm. Homeless or helpless, how may we serve you? What does love demand? Love demands we do what we can. Take a stand. Lend a hand.?Chorus