Breathing New Life into Old Hymn

One of the musical selections in our Christmas show this year is an original hymn composed by Edsel Bonnell. Edsel passed away in 2024, but his legacy lives on in the work he did for many years as the Director of the Gower Youth and Gower Community Band.

Edsel wrote "The Meaning of Christmas is Love" in 1987 for the Gower Youth Band to perform at a Christmas Musicale in Gower United Church. Our Technical Director, John Bonnell, is one of Edsel's four sons and is married to Susan, our Artistic Director. She heard the hymn sung in many services and concerts over the years. When looking for selections for the show this year, it came immediately to mind.

Music Director Maureen Chafe says the hymn is perfect for the show, especially given its name - "The Meaning of Christmas is Love." And Ron Collins - the current conductor of the band, was happy to record the hymn for Theatre CBS. It seems to be the perfect salve for our world today:

"When will the meaning of Christmas

Abide in our hearts through the year?

Gone would be hate and oppression,

And broken our bondage of fear!"