The Advent Of A Miracle

For the fourth year in a row, I am part of the choir for the annual Christmas performance at my church. I sang in the bass section in my first year, I sang in the tenor section for the last two years, and this year I am singing bass again. I also have the solo for the final song of the evening, a really jazzy and uptempo version of "Hark, The Herald Angels Sing."

I have seen a preview of the entire performance during our practices and it's fantastic. The choir and soloists handle about twelve songs, ranging from classic Christmas carols to modern songs from Sarah McLachlin. This year, our choir is also accompanied by a live band. Usually, we record our own music tracks inhouse each year but this time we opted for the presence of musicians, even if that does double the complexity of performing these choir songs.

Mixed in with the songs, there are two stories. We have the classic story of Mary and Joseph, performed on stage by various actors. Virgin birth, Joseph not wanting anything to do with it until an angel visits him, no room in the inn, etc.

This story is shown in contrast with a modern tale about a husband whose family is in a car accident. The husband has to face the brutal emotions and questions that come in a situation like this as his family fights for their lives in a hospital. Themes of forgiveness and purpose show how the birth (and eventual death and resurrection) of Jesus has really changed our lives and our relationship with God forever.

This second story is actually shown as a film and it is quite impressive. It was filmed with proper cameras and lighting and boom mics and the whole bit, on location in Toronto and everything. It's like a short film that is woven between the on-stage play of Mary and Joseph and the choir songs. At one point, there is one song that really encapsulates all of the agonizing emotions from this main story and I think that it's the saddest song that I have ever heard.

It's a real roller-coaster ride and it's incredibly powerful. Everyone is invited to join us for one of the six free performances, as noted above. Be forewarned that each performance is usually packed and the second weekend is so full that many people have to be turned away due to a lack of parking and seating. You may want to arrive by 6:30 pm at the latest for whichever performance you are attending.

Merry Christmas!