Advent longing is apparent at Laguna Honda Hospital, where residents do not always have a steady stream of visitors. On Saturday, December 10, the Beatles Choir donned their red and green apparel for their monthly visit to Laguna Honda and expanded their set list to include Christmas carols in addition to the regular rock and roll repertoire. More than 20 members and friends of City Church showed up to sing and spread some holiday cheer, and for many, it was their first time participating in this growing ministry.

On the surface, it might seem that the goal of a choir is to sing and sing well, but the Beatles Choir’s first objective is to connect to Laguna Honda residents. That they do it through familiar music is secondary, but no accident. When you first walk down the long corridors into a sun-filled social room, you notice that some residents are dozing in their chairs, staring into the distance, or anxiously cradling a doll or stuffed animal.

But when the guitars begin to strum and the rock starts to roll, the atmosphere of the room completely changes. Residents wake up—literally and emotionally—as singers stand near them, creating surround sound as they offer smiles and encouraging embraces. Even the shy and unaffected residents can be caught tapping their toes, their faces otherwise not betraying their enjoyment.

“I saw someone come alive,” said a choir member. One such resident was 99 years old, feeling tired, and not really motivated to leave her room. She joined the other residents, though, and soon completely lit up, clapping along with the music, grinning hugely, and grasping hands during “I Wanna Hold Your Hand.”

The transformation is truly remarkable. Paul, a Laguna Honda resident himself, said, “I’ve never seen folks so lively! Smiling and moving around like that. Thanks so much for coming. It shows people there’s meaning in life.”

The staff commented that this was one of the larger singing groups the hospital has seen. Opportunities to continue to bring hope, cheer, and connection to adoring Beatles fans happen the second Saturday of every month. Our next visit will be January 14, starting at 9:30a. For more information, or to sign up to join the "band" during an upcoming "gig," visit the City Hope website. Though singing experience is helpful, really all you need is love. Love is all you need.