One of Meridian’s most joyous attractions of the holiday season – The Singing Christmas Tree – begins Thursday night, Dec. 8 at Highland Baptist Church.

Presented by the church’s music ministry, the first of six performances will begin at 7 p.m. at the church, 3400 27th St.

Celebrating its 32nd year, the tree draws thousands of people to its six performances and is a music and drama production under the direction of Franklin Denham, minister of music.

“About 30,000 people attend the six services each year,” said Denham, who first introduced the holiday spectacular to Meridian audiences in 1984.

The theme for this season’s presentation “Don’t Be Afraid” was inspired by the announcement of Jesus’s birth by the angels.

“I chose it not only because we have a title song, but because when the angels announced the arrival of Jesus to the lowliest of low – the shepherds – their message to them first and foremost was, “Don’t be afraid fear not, it’s going to be all right,” Denham said.

“All too often we are discouraged or overwhelmed with heartache, and because of these situations we find ourselves in we become fearful. The message is still true regardless of our discouragement of heartache. Jesus, whose birth we celebrate, reminds us that His compassion is deeper than any valley in which we find ourselves.”

Choosing the music each year varies, but Denham says he always makes sure every aspect of the Christmas story is covered by song.

There will be 13 new songs along with two favorites – ‘I Have Seen the Light’ and ‘Behold the Lamb.’

“The music is changed every year and the only thing we will be repeating is “the song” again this year,” Denham said. “That’s the song people want to hear every year – ‘I Have Seen the Light, – a male trio that is a show stopper for some.”

For 32 years the choir and orchestra of Highland Baptist Church has presented more than 300 different pieces of music all focused on one thing, the “real” meaning of Christmas. There have been 186 presentations with close to 400 different singers and musicians.

“This year’s choir is one of the smallest we’ve ever had, but one of the best,” Denham said. “We only have 67 singers but you would never know it by their presentation. We also have a 25 piece orchestra and they are sounding terrific.”

The tree, which is built of pine and steel and stands 35 feet high with nine levels, requires about 30 hours with a team of 20 or more to assemble and decorate. It holds 107 singers and serves as a platform to 68 adult voices that become a part of the decorations interspersed among 2,000 twinkling electronically-controlled lights multi-colored wreaths, gold-leafed angels, and garlands of multi-colored balls.

The 21,000 pound tree, which takes 4,000 feet of wiring and uses 14,000 watts of electricity, is so heavy extra supports had to be added under the choir loft so it wouldn’t crash down into the kitchen below.

Denham said those who come will hear the message of encouragement that focuses on Jesus and why he came.

“The tree is just a tool we use to share a much more important message,” Denham said. “The decorations are nice but the reason we do it is to share the message of the first advent.”

“A lot of hard work and dedication go into this production,” Denham said. “This is really a wonderful event for this time of year that can be enjoyed by everyone.”

Although attendance to The Singing Christmas Tree is open to everyone, it is geared to first graders through senior adults. No preschoolers, Denham said.

Want to go?

Performances of The Singing Christmas Tree by The Highland Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir will be presented at the following times:

• Thursday – Friday: 7 p.m.

• Saturday – Sunday:  4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Attendance is free to the concert, however, tickets are required. Tickets are available at the church office, located at 3400 27th Street and Harry Mayer Clothiers, 3129 Hwy 39 North. For more information, call (601) 482-0191.