INNISFAIL – The story of Christmas is often shared and celebrated through song.
The third annual Inter-Church Christmas Musical did just that at the Innisfail Church of the Nazarene on Dec. 1 and 2.
The event is presented by the Innisfail Ministerial Association.
“The first performance (Dec. 1) was really well attended. We had very few seats that were empty,” said Kathy Knopp, choir director for the Innisfail Inter-Church Choir. “It was a great time and the choir sang amazing.”
Singers from ages eight to 83 took part in the annual musical, which began preparations several weeks ago.
“We started rehearsals in the middle of September so we’ve had two and a half months of practising,” said Knopp. “We have 75 to 80 (singers) from several churches in Innisfail. We’ve grown every year.”
The theme and title for this year’s Christmas musical was The King is Here, and it included a selection of both favourite Christmas carols and several newer Christmas numbers.
They included traditional songs such as Angels From the Realms of Glory; Infant Holy, Infant Lowly; a Christmas worship medley; Jesus Holy Child of Bethlehem and Born This Happy Morning.
“The first song is Rejoice and it’s just saying come and rejoice. We are rejoicing because the King is here,” explained Knopp. “It’s a time for prophecy fulfilled; it’s a time for everybody to get together and share their stories. We share our story through song.”
The musical numbers were taken from a choir book written by Cliff Duren, noted Knopp.
In addition to the large choir ensemble and group performances, there were also several solo numbers.
“In this musical, there’s quite a few solos. We feature a lot of beautiful voices,” she added, noting every year the event raises cash and food donations for the Innisfail and District Food Bank. “The community is so supportive.”
This year they collected just over $3,000 in cash donations and several pounds of food over the two-night event.
“It’s a great way for us, as Christians, to let our community know that we support our community wholeheartedly too,” said Knopp. “This is a good time, at Christmas, to show additional love.”
