12 Notes and 12 Days
“You know what’s deep is God gave us 12 notes.” – Jon Batiste from his 2021 Oscar acceptance speech
Naivety Scene image from Google
Growing up in the Anglican tradition I celebrated what is known as Christmastide, a period which begins on Christmas eve at sunset and ends 12days later on the eve of Epiphany, the traditional celebration of the visit of the Three Wise Men.
This period of celebration was established around 500 AD, and shaped the rhythm of societies for centuries after. The 12 days aren’t celebrated often any more, especially as liturgical traditions lose their place in American culture, but we “hear” the echoes around us still.
One of those places is Mardi Gras, the celebration best known for its parade in New Orleans which is both revelrous and somewhat scandalous, taking place the day after Epiphany and before the season of Lent.
I thought about these rhythms and traditions when I heard Jon Batiste’s Oscar acceptance speech for best original score for his work on the hit Pixar film Soul. Batiste grew up in Louisiana outside of New Orleans into a musical family, shaped by them, their culture and their faith.
Jon Batiste at the 2021 Oscars
“It’s the same 12 notes that Duke Ellington had, that Bach had, Nina Simone, it’s the same 12!” he said. “Every gift is special. Every contribution with music that comes from the divine into the instruments into the film, into the minds and hearts and souls of every person who hears it, the stories that happen when you listen to it and watch it and the stories you share, the moments you create, the memories you make…man, it’s just so incredibly special…I’m just thankful to God for those 12 notes. That’s so dope.”
Many religions believe that there is a spiritual rhythm to life, and that it is reflected in the very fabric of the universe. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork,” proclaims Psalm 19.
My own Christian religious tradition teaches this as well, however it also teaches that these rhythms aren’t a circle or cycle, but a story, and that the cosmos we live in is the stage that has been set for it to unfold.
It is into this story, which begins with creation and ends in a grand restoration, that the pivotal chapter is announced in Luke 2:13-14 by “a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying:
This chapter in Luke is about the long-awaited King born not in a palace, but literally placed as a newborn in a feeding trough. What a twist in the story! The oppression that Israel was experiencing would not be overcome by earthly power, but by an infant, tender and mild as Jon Baptiste sings.
At Clapham, we believe that we are living in this “after” Christmas period in history, and in it we are called to restore broken walls, heal broken families and pursue the wellbeing of the city. We build bridges and initiate social change for the common good.
This December, we launched a new chapter in our story by gathering colleagues, collaborators and clients to Jammin’ Java in Vienna for incarnated fellowship, food for body and mind, and music for the soul.
We discussed some projects we are particularly passionate about, including Ownership is the New Black, the Social Capital Campaign and Paid Leave for Families. We invited friends from Common Hymnal to join us and close with a reminder that we long to sing a New Song.
Highlight from December 8th "Clapham Family and Friend's Gathering"
Song: How Much Longer performed by Ben Hardesty and Royce Love of Common Hymnal
Video by Jonathan Rodgers
A New Song, but from the same 12 Notes. Jon Batiste was just nominated for 11 Grammys for his albums "Freedom," "We Are" and the soundtrack for Disney's jazz cartoon "Soul." He was also nominated for traditional R&B performance, American roots performance, and his classical composition "Movement 11." His video for “Freedom” is a family favorite.
"WOW!!" Batiste tweeted, "Thank you, God!! I love EVERYBODY! I'm so grateful to my collaborators and to my ancestors."
Thank you, Jon, for reminding us that there are songs that we can still sing (and dance to) together … songs that flow from the 12 Notes and remind us of the hope that is celebrated in the 12 Days of Christmas.