Listen — Did you hear? Yes, I’m certain someone was just humming a Christmas Carol — one of my favorites, Away In a Manger. I agree – it’s really not difficult to hear beautiful music as we near mid-December. There are many church choirs preparing inspiring musical and dramatic presentations. I am nearing my 30th year of participation with some of the presentations. Yes, I was a mere tot when I first began (uh-huh). Oh, humor me! It’s Christmastime!

    My most memorable Christmas program was a live nativity children’s play. It was just a coincidence that the play took place during one of the coldest nights on record. Some of the stars of the production were a family of sheep (a nervous momma, high-strung daddy, and two babies). The critters disappeared just as the play began, but we later found them. Whew! Also, it was a coincidence that our Joseph had a broken leg and was on crutches. Oh, and our little pony where Mary was seated had never trotted on pavement and he balked, and it was a coincidence that the innkeeper couldn’t get the door open on our refrigerator-box-creation of the little town of Bethlehem. Then there was the ice that had formed on the metal chairs where our audience sat – that was a coincidence as well. BUT, all-in-all it was a wonderful play and folks still remember every detail of the production even after all of these years. I like to think the play was remembered because it was so awesome and not because of those coincidences –Briarwood Baptist Church, 1989.

    I can remember my first participation with The Singing Christmas Tree at Highland Baptist Church – that was only ten years ago. I was perched on the fifth limb to the right – my usual spot on “The Tree.” It was a lofty limb of second sopranos.  My husband, who played in the orchestra, was seated directly beneath me. I cannot explain the immense joy that he and I experienced each year that we were part of “The Tree.” Below is listed performance information for this year:

    The 26th Annual Singing Christmas Tree presented by the Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra of Highland Baptist Church will be held December 9 – 12. Thursday and Friday evenings begin at 7pm. Saturday and Sunday performances at 4pm and 7pm each day. The addition of a professionally produced video, a high energy ensemble of youth sharing a new Christmas song, plus the angelic sound of children singing “Away in a Manger” will help make this year’s musical celebration of the birth of Jesus extraordinary. A couple of canned items or a new toy will pay for your admission. Call 601-482-0191 for ticket information.

    I remember my first attendance of a production at Evangel Temple. I was absolutely overwhelmed with the huge talent and dedication of the choir and production staff. I am thrilled that the church has continued the productions at their new theater. Information from Evangel Temple’s website is listed below:

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to experience the

Virgin birth of Jesus Christ; the Holy Spirit; the angels;

the Spirit world; Satan and his dark angels as they try to murder

the Christ child through Herod the King?

Join us for this journey from the portals of Heaven as Christ

descends to earth to carry out His mission through the virgin birth,

surrounded by flying angels, special effects & choir.

The drama “Messiah” promises to be a spectacular

event you will not want to miss!

Saturday, December 4 & Sunday, December 5,, 2010

Saturday, December 11 & Sunday, December 12, 2010

The drama begins at 6:00 p.m. each night.

Guaranteed seating in our new state of the art theater.

No one will be turned away. No nursery provided.

We are located at 3611 Hwy 145, Meridian, MS 39301

(2 miles south the Meridian city limits)

If you have any questions, call 601-917-3177.

    Now I am once again Blessed to participate with the choir located at Liberty Baptist Church, Hwy 493, Kemper County. It’s a Double Blessing because my husband is the Minister of Music as well as the Associational Minister of Music for Kemper County. Below is info about upcoming Christmas musical programs:

    Sunday, December 12, 6:30pm – An old fashioned Christmas Carol congregational singing with a candy, cookie, coffee, and wassail fellowship to follow the music. All community church membership and choirs invited to participate.

    Sunday, December 19, 11am – Liberty Baptist Church Choir presents “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem.”

    Check with your community church and plan to attend any and all Christmas musicals and dramas. Grab granny and the kids. Y’all dress up a little bit and go expecting the peace and joy of the season.

    So, do you hear the music? Don’t miss any of these presentations. It’s Christmastime, 2010 – a time of celebration.

    Anne B. McKee is an author and storyteller. She lives in Meridian. Anne is listed on the Mississippi Artist Roster, sponsored by Mississippi Arts Commission, as a dramatic and literary artist, storyteller, and as a Teaching Artist. She is active with the arts and educational communities throughout Mississippi. Visit her web site: www.annemckee.net.