the spirit of Christmas

I really enjoyed being part of the Christmas program, "The Spirit of Christmas," at Berean Baptist Church. Even though I am "extra tired" from the six performances this past Friday-Sunday night, I still have some voice left. And by now, the music is so thoroughly entrenched in my brain that I have to share some of it with you - at least the words. The first 20 minutes of the program were traditional Christmas songs. After a solo of "Chestnuts roasting....(the Christmas song)" the choir greeted the audience and began the program with "The Spirit of the Season." This is a very happy Christmas song with such words as "people smile as they pass you by...the day will be here soon" and "snowflakes falling as you rush downtown...the city seems to glow..." Yes, the spirit of the season does fill your hearts with love and care! Other songs included the teens singing about a "marshmallow world" with a lively Frosty the snowman in person. We concluded this portion singing "Dashing through the snow..." and "there's no place like home for the holidays..." ending with "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas..."

The first section of the program was followed by an interlude. It gave us a chance to rest our feet, unless you were serving the desserts and drinks. During the interlude, there were musical numbers and skits as people enjoyed the dessert, coffee and hot chocolate.

The remainder of the program focused on the true story of Christmas with many carols and songs. Between the full choir, the men's ensemble and the ladies ensemble a narrator tied all of this together. We ended with the song "Christmas Pastorale" sung by candlelight. If I had to choose a favorite it would be this song.

Like a lamb so meek and mild,
Softly sleeps the holy child,
Lying on a manger bed
Where the ox and sheep have fed.
Lamb of God, pure art thou,
At thy humble throne I bow.
With the angel choirs I sing
Gloria to the newborn King.


God's own Lamb by Heaven adored
Shepherd's own thee as their lord,
Gifts of tribute have they none,
But their hearts for God's own Son.
Lamb of God, pure art Thou
At thy humble throne I bow,
With the angel choirs I sing:
Gloria, Gloria, Gloria to the newborn King.