Lights, camera, action! Those that came out to the Holiness Tabernacle Church Of God In Christ Annual Christmas Program the evening of Sunday, December 15th enjoyed quite a treat as youth and adults showcased their talents.
Hosted by Elder John and Missionary Andrea Mabry, II, the sanctuary was packed with members and guests – including lots of little ones who were promised a visit by a very special guest in a big red suit!
“We celebrate you, Jesus, because you came to give us new life!” opened up Missionary Myrna Howard in prayer. Following, Sister Pam Jones read from Isaiah 9:6-7 as the entire congregation stood to its feet in reverence of the Word of God.
The night air filled with the sounds of Christmas carols as voices mingled together in joyous harmony:
Go, tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born!
Next up, the Sunshine Band brought “Christmas Around the World” and shared interesting facts about how the holiday is celebrated in various countries across the globe. Saints learned that in Ghana, people make a yam dish called fufu, in South Africa, people go caroling in the city, and in Australia – because Christmas takes place in the summer – people cook barbeque!
The real surprise came with a special musical selection, led by Christian Araujo.
“Happy birthday, Jesus! I’m so glad it’s Christmas!” rang out his soft, but clear voice with the entire Sunshine Band following in chorus right behind him. Holding their lit candles and swaying to the music, the young children reminded everyone what this holiday is truly about.
Bringing excitement to the crowd, a musical interlude by The 5th Quarter Band – Holiness Tabernacle’s very own youth ensemble – was next on the program. The young men got on their instruments and led the church in a rendition of “Joy to the World.”
With that, it was time for the night’s main feature – the Purity Class production entitled, “Barnyard Christmas.” The play told the story of the birth of Christ from the perspective of the animals.
“I gave up my food for that little one,” mooooed the Cow played by John Mabry, III, “and then I heard the mother say the angel told her His name was Jesus.”
“Neighhh!” sounded the Horse played by Jeremiah Paxton, the audience erupting into laughter. “They also said everyone has been waiting for Him.”
Tamika Alexander, playing the role of the Lamb, joined in the theatrics as well. “Baaaaa! The angel told my masters to follow the star and they would find Him in a manger.”
 |
| View More Photos |
Even adults go into the action and took on major roles in the delightful production.
“Fear not!” declared the Angel, played by Sister Valerie Miller to a speechless Mary, played by Colleen Hopkins. “Goodness – why does this always happen to me?”
Rolling around in the mud, the Pig, played by Elder Eugene McCown, took the lead and attempted to bring some order to the barn. “The angel said [Jesus] is the Lamb of God, that He’s in a manager and that people should go see Him!”
Both the actors and those who supported the production received quite an ovation at the conclusion of the play. Several counted it as one of the best performances from the group!
All of a sudden – none other than the man in the big red suit rounded the corner, bringing with him squeals of delight from the littlest children sitting up at the front.
“It’s Santa! Santa is here!” came their exclamations as they pointed and cheered. Everyone enjoyed the sight as Santa Claus, Pastor and First Lady Pruitte, along with their helping elves, began passing out gifts to all the children.
This year’s Holiness Tabernacle Christmas Program was one for the record books! Most important, the true meaning of Christmas was threaded throughout every aspect of the evening – for Christ truly is the reason for the season!