03/30/2026
Opening Introduction – Messiah
Thank you so much for being here tonight. I am happy to see so many people here!
I wasn’t sure how many people to expect, but I knew at least my own kids would be here if nothing else! They have never experienced the Messiah before so for, me that is part of the reason, why this is happening tonight.
Let me share a short story.
Over a year ago, after the passing of Charlie Kirk, I found myself deeply moved by his mission, which led me to ask a simple question: What is my mission? What does God want me to do?
One Sunday, while partaking of the sacrament, I offered that question as a prayer.
And almost immediately, a clear impression came to my heart—just two words:
“The Messiah.”
I knew exactly what that meant.
I grew up watching and participating in the Messiah every year for as long as I can remember thanks to my mother. That is where I came to love this great music. But over time, I realized that many—especially my own children—had never experienced it.
And that needed to change.
Why? Because this is not just beautiful music. It is sacred music miraculously written and is a sacred witness of Jesus Christ—of His birth, His suffering, His death, and His Resurrection, meant to bring us to Christ.
What is remarkable about this music, is that the man who composed this work, George Frideric Handel, was not in a place of strength when he wrote it. In fact,
He was deeply in debt. His music had fallen out of favor. And his career was declining.
And after suffering what is believed to be a stroke, even his ability to continue as a musician was uncertain.
It was in the middle of that hardship that he was given a collection of scriptures about Jesus Christ, compiled by Charles Jennens - these scriptures are found in your program today so you can follow along and get the full meaning of Handles Messiah
Those words moved him deeply.
And in just 24 days, let me say that again, in just 24 days, he composed what would become one of the most powerful works of sacred music ever written.
He worked almost without rest, so absorbed that he would forget to eat or sleep.
�And when he finished the “Hallelujah Chorus,” he is said to have exclaimed:
“I did think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God Himself.”
This music is more than beautiful—it is a testimony drawn directly from scripture.
Through it, we are invited to reflect on the life and mission of Jesus Christ—His birth, His suffering, His resurrection, and His eternal reign as King of Kings.
And so, with the invitation to make Easter more celebrated and special in such a way that would cause us to pause, remember, and testify that Jesus Christ lives, I knew Easter was the perfect time to bring back the Messiah. I was humbled with the task before me.
Even with over a year to prepare, I was overwhelmed at what this would take! How was I going to find an entire orchestra and choir that would be willing to make this happen! I was a nobody and not even a musician. But I love God and I love the music of Handles Messiah!
And, luckily for me, this was not my idea so I trusted God would provide!
So I pushed forward.
I thought I was going to have to spend months and months fundraising to pay the musicians but I simply just did not have the time to do that.
�So for many more months, I wondered how this could possibly come together. But I knew I had to push forward.
First, I asked Tamara White. I knew she was an excellent piano player and I was thrilled when she agreed! Thank you Tamara for believing in this mission! You have truly made this a beautiful experience for all of us participating!
This gave me the confidence to go forward.
It wasn’t easy.
There was opposition.
There were challenges.
Then, in a simple but meaningful moment, everything began to change.
When I shared my frustrations with Halsey, a Violist who teaches my kids violin, she immediately offered to play without pay—along with her sister Alexis. And together with my husband Warren, they began reaching out to others who were willing to give their time and talents.
Thank you for making this happen! I could never have done this without your help!
And so little by little, without getting into all the details, what once felt impossible began to take shape.
Musicians came. Voices gathered. And the Messiah came to life through what is now the Cache Valley Messiah Orchestra and Choir sponsored by Cache Valley Bank to help cover all the other expenses.
And so tonight’s performance truly is both a gift to God and a miracle from God.
This is how the Lord works—through those who are willing to act!
God makes a way. He provides people. He magnifies what we offer.
And all of it is meant to bring us to Christ so we can have eternal life.
I am so excited for tonight! Everyone up here is so talented and they sound like angels. It’s going to be amazing, holy and majestic!!
My hope is that as you listen, you will feel what this music has proclaimed for centuries:
That the Lamb who was slain is worthy—and that through Him, death has been overcome.
Thank you for being here.
We invite you now to listen—not just with your ears, but with your hearts.
Happy Easter! He is risen!
