From the Executive Officer
COVID can ’ t stop Christmas !
“ Every Who down in Who-ville , the tall and the small , Was singing ! Without any presents at all ! He HADN ’ T stopped Christmas from coming ! IT CAME ! Somehow or other , it came just the same !
And the Grinch , with his grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow , Stood puzzling and puzzling , how could it be so ? ‘ It came without ribbons ! It came without tags ! It came without packages , boxes or bags !’ And he puzzled three hours , till his puzzler was sore . Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn ’ t before !” — Dr . Seuss , How the Grinch Stole Christmas !
There is no doubt that in many ways Christmas 2020 feels a bit different . Due to the ongoing impact of the world-wide pandemic our normal schedule of live Christmas Concerts , special corps / church worship & functions , large family gatherings and so much more have been curtailed .
But , COVID can ’ t stop Christmas !
Christmas may not be the same for most of us this year but that does not change the true joy that remains ours , as we once again , celebrate the reality of Christ coming to save us .
“ But the angel said to them , “ Do not be afraid . I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people . Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you ; he is the Messiah , the Lord . This will be a sign to you : You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger .” — Luke 2:10-12
In verse three of Isaac Watts classic Christmas Carol , Joy to the World , we sing ;
He rules the world with truth and grace , and makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness and wonders of His love .
Commissioners William A . & G . Lorraine Bamford
Territorial Leaders USA , East
Lt . Colonel Kathleen Steele Executive Officer
New York Staff Band
Derek W . Lance Bandmaster
Simon Morton Deputy Bandmaster
Brindley Venables Band Secretary
Dorothy Gates Composer in Residence
Aaron Harris Chorus Leader
Peter Vaughan Band Sergeant
Major Donald Spencer Band Chaplain
Charles F . Olsen , Jr . Treasurer / Property Manager
Warren Smith , Jr . Librarian
Aaron VanderWeele Development Secretary
This season , as we enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas , even in a new way , let us all remember the angels message to the shepherds and the promise found in Jeremiah 29:13 , “ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart ”.
Merry Christmas !
Lt . Colonel James LaBossiere Executive Officer , NYSB
2 ‡ NYSB BULLETIN WINTER 2020-21