Celebration

So, this post is a week over due, but it's been insane at school this week.

Last Friday night, Mom, Dad, David, Laura, Isaac, and I went to FBC Houston for their Christmas pageant (for lack of a better word). How do I describe something that left me breathless and speechless? I haven't been in such awe of a production since my last trip to Disney in June of 2007!

Celebration is a story of Christmas in three parts. It begins in the North Pole with the elves and Santa preparing for the big day. Santa flew to the stage in his sleigh and bemoans how greedy the world has become. He explains why he began giving gifts as St. Nicholas long ago: the Magi brought Baby Jesus gifts and God gave us the greatest gift of His Son. Santa used familiar toys to act out these two stories, so it was quite humorous, but very much to the point. The elves and toys danced as the choir and orchestra sang, and it was just magical. Santa flew away on his sleigh to deliver toys. While I don't like that they made Santa look real (though I was proud of them telling the REAL St. Nicholas story!!), FBC did do a nice cover job for all of those parents who choose to lie to their poor children.

Only at the North Pole can every direction be south!!! The geography teacher in me loved this detail!





The second scene is simply music. The choir (over 175 voices!) and the full orchestra played beautiful pieces, many from Michael W. Smith's latest Christmas album. It was a peaceful time of worship.


Then, the Nativity began. Bethlehem was staged in the middle of the audience, with peddlers, travelers, and townspeople milling around the sanctuary and on the stage. Joseph led Mary to the inn on a real live donkey. Baby Jesus arrived, and the shepherds made their way to the inn as angels flew in the sky. Then, the Magi became to arrive with their entourages. One Magi came with a real live camel. Another came with a real live elephant. In. The. Sanctuary. WOW! More angels flew in the sky, and the aisles were filled with angels as well. It was one glorious sight!







Throughout each scene, the orchestra and choir played and sang. It was fantastic! I can't wait for next year.