Glad Tidings on a Starry Night

By Tom Brantigan

Perhaps it wasn't "starry" on that first Christmas night in Bethlehem and perhaps some of our favorite Christmas carols speak of the unlikely event of snow gently falling in Bethlehem or the unlikely sight of seeing "three ships come sailing in on Christmas day in the morning" - but does it matter? No, that's not what this is all about, is it?

Central's celebration of Christmas is the celebration of Christ's birth, the incarnation of God on Earth, and the beginning of Christ's earthly journey to the cross for our own redemption. So, why all the gifts? Why all the music? Why all the celebration?

Think about that greatest Gift-of-All and think about how amazing a gift it is and think about different ways that you might express your thanks for that gift and how you would like to share it. Sometimes, the awe of the Gift makes you just want to sit quietly and contemplate the wonder. At other times, you may just want to shout from the roof tops with unbounded joy. Most of the time, you want to share that gift with others and particularly with your family.

Combine all of this and you have a pretty good description of our Chancel Choir's Christmas Concert, this year entitled "Glad Tidings on a Starry Night." Here is an opportunity to sing your loudest praise, listen to grand sweeping and engulfing sounds, and quietly listen to the Christmas story while sharing the experience not only with your family but with guests that you want to hear the message. This is not just a concert; this is an opportunity to worship and to share the message. This is an opportunity to bring your friends to Central to expose them to the proclamation of "Good will to all."

This year's Christmas at Central concert continues to be the tradition of a grand celebration that attracts such a large following that it requires two performances! The concert joins a large chorus and orchestra with you, our congregation and friends, to raise the joyous sounds of Christmas. You will participate in singing favorite carols along with the orchestra and arranged by John Rutter, Richard Webster, and David Willcocks. This year, the concert will feature "Glad Tidings" by Randol Bass. The telling of the Christmas story is interspersed with carol arrangements and laid out in a manner which illuminates and enhances the story itself. Join the Chancel Choir, the Children's Choir, and your fellow revelers for an evening that is guaranteed to have you leaving with a smile on your face and glad tidings in your heart!

Think about that great Gift. Think about the Chancel Choir wanting to share the Gift with you and how you might share that Gift with your friends. Then join us for a great afternoon or evening of Christmas music to build memories of "all of the music - all of the magic - all of the family home here with you!"