singing christmas tree

I hope everyone has had a safe and warm weekend! It was freezing here in the northwest and I woke up to snow the last three mornings. It's truly beginning to look like Christmas! I was able to check off something off my winter wish list (check it out here) this weekend:

the Singing Christmas Tree!

A friend and I organized this girl's night out to watch the Christmas concert & we loved it!

The first half of the night was filled with adorable tap-dancing little Santas, a Christmas Elvis, Rudolf, and Jolly ol' Saint Nick himself. Not to mention the huge christmas tree made of singers, in addition to a local high school singing a few carols, a gospel group, and some wonderful soloists. There were roughly 300 adult and child performers during this Christmas extravaganza! We were blown away! I was especially blown away by a young boy who performed with the children's choir. He was in a wheelchair, but that did not stop his joyful performance at all! He was so good!! I teared up watching him. My gaze always focuses on kids with special needs during shows because of my previous work with medically fragile children. It warms my heart to know that this boy was able to be included in such a fun show and for him to know that he can do it in spite of any handicap. He rolled around and danced with his arms to the beat. He didn't miss a thing! I hope he realizes how special and wonderful he is, but I think, after watching him perform with such a great attitude, that he does! 

Then the second half started with the narrator opening up a nativity set and saying he always loved seeing his family's nativity set perched in their living room everywhere and he declared that the second half would be a nativity set "coming to life" . . . and it sure was! the story of Jesus' birth was told through music, dance, and theatre. it was all so very beautiful. I was in tears for most of it. The performers were excellent and truly made the nativity come to life, showcasing the true meaning of christmas. There is nothing wrong with Santa, Rudolf, or even Elvis at Christmas, but it was heartwarming to see that Jesus was not overlooked, but rather, His story was told in a beautiful way that hopefully reached out to many who did not come expecting to hear so much about Him from a "secular" Christmas concert that did not have any advertised Christian affiliation. The narrator ended by saying the most important thing to take away from all the show was an understanding that God loves us more than we can imagine and wants to offer us His peace. How amazing is that?! I was floored! They finished off with a full stage of performers and the whole audience singing Handel's Messiah - Hallelujah Chorus! My heart was so joyful!

We all enjoyed the night. Aside from the spectacular show, it was also fun to catch up with friends. Several of the "Big Sisters" from our Big//Little Sister ministry were able to bring their "Little Sister" along for the show (which was the original intent for the girls night) as well as other friends who had wanted to see the show too. 

One of the "little sisters" from our Big/Little Sister ministry was in the choir, so we got to say hi!