Act 1 is a spectacle of sight and sound comprised of contemporary Christmas music choreographed into swing, ballroom, and even tango dances. Yes, the stage even opens to reveal an ice skating rink.
Aunt Kaitlyn got to perform in the High School number this year which was part of a skit called "The Star," hosted by Larson Nightly, or the even more famous, Adam Duckworth. Kaitlyn's number was super fast and extremely difficult and even included a human jump rope. She had fun!
Connor's "Happy Birthday Jesus" solo always came towards the end of the choir concert right before intermission. A beautiful ballet number preceded it and I tended to pray through that entire song knowing Connor was next. The pretty piano would begin and the lights would come up on Connor coming down the stairs holding Daddy's hand. Tim talks about what a great experience it was to be able to escort him on to the stage, and feels like it was a rite of passage. Daddy, Connor, and Adam would pray in the wings before entering the stage and it was a special moment for all of them.
Grandma Glenda was always a huge help for me with Caleb. I was at the church for more performances with Caleb than I was for Connor. Caleb played baby Jesus 3 to 4 times each weekend and Grandma was always there to help me get organized and prep the baby. Of course Ms. Crystal and Sarah did all the work, I'm just there to supervise.
Act 2 opens with a horse drawn chariot, yes a real horse, riding onto the stage declaring the census. Enter Mary riding a donkey to reveal a swollen belly and no room at the inn. The choir enters beautifully, coming down from the balcony stairs holding candles singing "Silent Night". At the climax of the song Joseph walks off stage after Mary to return with our sweet bundle of joy held high in the air for everyone to see. I love to compare it to "The Circle of Life" moment with Simba. It's so perfect that the audience is drawn into the scene and usually would erupt into applause. Not for Caleb, but for our Savior. It is such beautiful perspective! He came! We are saved by this precious babe that was laid to rest in a manger. The wise men come entering from different places inside the sanctuary and of course the crowd loves when the enormous camels appear. My favorite is the angels soaring above the audience on a specially created fly system. The monologue following is the epitome of "Mary Did You Know" and always gives me goosebumps. Then the lights dim and Caleb is returned to me, my own precious babe with a lifetime in front of him. Where will the Lord lead my boys? How will He direct their paths? How does He plan to use them? Lord, I pray they seek and follow You.
We were so lucky that Great Grandma and Grandpa Hebebrand came down to witness the boys on stage too. Connor loved getting to see them during intermission. He also enjoyed all the other spectacles he got to see backstage. From the donkey to the soldiers it was always something new and exciting.
Our family was so blessed by this experience. I can only imagine the thousand of lives it touched of those that came to see it. What an amazing responsibility these performers have! What an honor it was to participate in. I am so proud of Connor and Caleb. I can only hope this is the beginning of watching them perform on stage.
Happy Birthday Jesus
I'm so glad it's Christmas.
All the tinsel and lights
and the presents are nice
but the real gift is You.
Happy Birthday Jesus
I'm so glad it's Christmas.
All the carols and bells
make the holiday swell
and it's all about You.
Happy Birthday Jesus
Jesus I love You.
I love you Jesus.
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